About face

At the time of going to press, the FTSE 100 had reached its highest point since early September 2008. Surpassing the 5,200 mark, it would seem it was the rally many had been hoping for, and indeed counting on: in the last few weeks, BC Partners became one of the first large buyout houses to pin its hopes on a continuing rally when it indicated intentions to float four of its portfolio companies (travel business Amadeus alone is expected to fetch around EUR8bn). Such a success would bring some much-needed liquidity to the firm's clients, who are likely to receive PPMs next year for a new fundraise