Analysis

Now more than ever, it's who you know

Private equity has always been about backing strong management. A look at Graphite Capital's recent track record highlights how recycling talent is vital. Kimberly Romaine reports

Pinstriped chameleons

For many private equity firms, distressed debt investors are becoming the elephant in the room. As banks syndicate debt down or offload it, much of it ends up in the hands of hedge funds and other opportunistic investors, some of whom use that position...

Divesting distress

A recent legal case has revealed a renewed focus by French courts on vendor liability post-sale, which has strong implications for private equity firms looking to divest troublesome assets. Ashley Wassall reports

Strange bedfellows

Not so long ago, corporates and private equity firms were arch rivals in many hotly contested auctions. Could the lack of liquidity in today's market, volatility and poor visibility encourage erstwhile contenders to consider joining forces?

Slow but steady ..

Having bucked the wider European trend throughout much of 2008, French buyout activity has tailed-off of late. However, there is evidence to suggest that the market may soon turn back, writes Francois Rowell

The Big 3

Rikke Lilla Eckhoff talks to Katharina Lichter, a managing director and head of research at Capital Dynamics, about succession issues, spin-out teams and the bid-ask spread on secondaries

  • LPs
Mad not to invest?

Of the few Nordic buyouts completed this year, three have been in healthcare services. Traditionally a government funded sector, healthcare offers plenty of opportunity for private equity value-add, but investors should tread carefully. Rikke Eckhoff...

Cause for optimism

Q2 figures from unquote" show that deal activity in the Nordic region is picking up. Rikke Lilla Eckhoff takes a closer look at the numbers

Leading the way

LDC's Darryl Eales talks to unquote's Emanuel Eftimiu about the challenges of investing in a disrupted market

A new model of investing

These days deals are about patience and graft with a view to de-risking and monetising old-fashioned value-add, writes Deborah Sterescu

LP perspectives

Following the downturn in the markets, the balance of power between GPs and LPs has shifted, giving LPs greater control. Deborah Sterescu speaks to three LPs to find out how their strategies and attitudes have changed

  • LPs
The VCT generation

Despite stricter government regulations and a harsh investment climate, it would seem that the VCT industry is still active and looking for new and creative ways to invest, writes Deborah Sterescu

Trust is at the heart of the matter

Mareen Goebel speaks to Dr Frank Thianer, who focuses on private equity transactions, about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry

  • LPs
10th Munich Private Equity Training Conference

The 10th annual Munich Private Equity Training (MUPET) was held in Munich and hosted by law firm Pollath + Partners last month. Mareen Goebel joined more than 200 delegates for the two-day event to discuss the current state of the industry

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

Frankfurt-based Close Brothers has doubled its debt advisory team to take advantage of the current prospects, with an uptick expected from Q3 this year. Banks would rather be less aggressive than pursue workouts with companies, but some private equity...

Motivating management: The BIMBO's back

Now more than ever it's important to ensure management teams are properly incentivised. For existing portfolio companies it may mean bringing on board some fresh blood; for new opportunities it means cutting a fair deal for all parties involved

Open for business?

Secondary debt has been all the talk recently. Some have even said it is partly responsible for holding up the issuances of primary debt. But despite speculation, banks are saying that the secondary market is not the way forward and that the primary market...