News
UK - Index of listed private equity vehicles launched
An index of UK-listed private equity vehicles has been launched by LPX, the Swiss-based publisher of research and indices on global listed private equity. The news brings the total number of LPX listed private equity indices, covering global and regional...
UK - DLJ appoints new industry partner
DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, private equity investment affiliate of Credit Suisse, has announced the appointment of Barry Wilson as its healthcare industry partner.
UK - Government pledges further £1bn to boost science and innovation
The UK government has pledged a further £1bn of funding as part of a new development strategy aimed at driving improvement in UK science and innovation.
UK - Katalyst-backed E-Therapeutics to float on AIM
Drug discovery company E-Therapeutics is planning a flotation on AIM later this month. The Newcastle-based company, which counts new therapy candidates in 11 clinical areas including MRSA, asthma and diabetes amongst its portfolio, is backed by Katalyst...
DENMARK - NorthCap Partners invests in Visiopharm
NorthCap Partners has invested an undisclosed sum in Copenhagen-based software company Visiopharm.
SWEDEN - Industrifonden leads $6m investment in ChromoGenics
ChromoGenics, a Swedish developer of electrochromic technology, has closed a $6m second round of funding lead by Industrifonden. Industrifonden invested $3m, while existing investors Volvo Technology Transfer and Innovationsbron also participated in the...
UK - LDC exits Aqualux in £23.4m deal
LDC has sold its share in Aqualux Products Holding Ltd, a producer of shower enclosures and bath screens, in a sale to AFG Arbonia-Forster Holding AG worth £23.4m.
UK - Ingenius invests £824,000 in debut album by The Orange Lights
Ingenius has invested £824,000 to back the debut album by The Orange Lights, a five-piece band formed by Paul Tucker, the ex-Lighthouse Family Songwriter.
UK - NiTech Solutions benefits from £800,000 of second round funding
PUK Ventures has invested £800,000 in mixing technology developer NiTech Solutions.
GERMANY – capiton acquires FBS
capiton AG has acquired a majority stake in the business unit construction systems division (FBS) from Freudenberg & Co. KG. The value of the transaction has not been disclosed. L-Eigenkapitalagentur (L-EA) and management also invested and take a significant...
NETHERLANDS - LSP invests in Skyline Diagnostics
Life Sciences Partners and the Erasmus MC Biomedical Fund have co-led a series-A funding round for Skyline Diagnostics BV. No financial details have been disclosed. The new capital will enable the company to bring its first product, the Acute myeloid...
FRANCE - LMBO backs spin-off of Future France
In a deal valuing the business at a maximum of EUR 18m, LMBO has backed the management buyout of publisher Future France from its parent company Future Plc.
UK - Sovereign reaps 11.9x return from veterinary services exit
Sovereign Capital has reaped 11.9x its money through the flotation of veterinary services consolidator CVS Group on AIM. The IPO gave CVS a market capitalisation of £105.7m.
ITALY - Aksìa Group and Quadrivio partner for Emmeci buyout
Aksìa Group and Quadrivio have joined forces for the buyout of printing business Emmeci from Europe Capital Partners IV, a fund managed by LBO Italia.
FRANCE - Bridgepoint poaches Chequers investor for Paris office
Bridgepoint has appointed Jérémie Dyen as an investment director in Paris.
FRANCE - Banexi CP and Céréa Capital lead tertiary buyout of Saveur
Banexi Capital Partenaires and Céréa Capital have acquired a combined majority stake in food ingredients business Groupe Saveur, as part of a tertiary buyout.
UK - Close Growth Capital acquires stake in £26m-turnover Eldapoint
Close Growth Capital has acquired a 30% stake in Eldapoint Ltd, a manufacturer of anti-vandal cabins and a providers of shipping container storage, handling and repair services. The management team retains 70% of the equity. Barclays provided a term loan...
UK - LDC portfolio company appoints new chairman
LDC portfolio company Direct Group, a provider of business process outsourcing services to the insurance sector, has appointed Steve Broughton as chairman.
FRANCE - Quartilium makes a series of new appointments
Quartilium, the fund-of-funds subsidiary of Finama Private Equity has announced the appointments of Richard Clarke-Jervoise, Louis Flamand and Julien Pierson.
FRANCE - Apax acquires facility management specialist
Apax Partners SA has completed the acquisition of facility management specialist Faceo group for an undisclosed sum.
UK - Graphite trebles its money on Applied Energy exit
Graphite Capital has wholly exited its stake in ventilation, heating and water heating products manufacturer Applied Energy in a trade sale to Glen Dimplex. Graphite is understood to have trebled its money through the exit, the value of which was undisclosed.
EUROPE - Fundraising for corporate venturing reached EUR 412m in 2006
European venture independent fundraising reached EUR 412m in 2006, the highest level since the 2000 boom, according to data collected for EVCA's Corporate Venturing Survey. The industry body released the figures at its 10th annual forum taking place in...
UK - Phoenix-backed Gaucho planning IPO
Phoenix Equity Partners portfolio company Gaucho is scheduled to list next month. The restaurant chain has been owned by Phoenix since August 2006 when it bought it as part of a £55m secondary buyout from Barclays Private Equity. It is anticipated that...
UK - 3i makes £870m indicative bid for listed oil services business
3i is in talks with oil services business Abbot Group about a potential take-private deal. The indicative offer of 375p per share values Abbot at approximately £870m. 3i has been granted limited access to Abbot's books.