KPMG’s Corporate Finance’s latest research shows that total value for larger deals in 2000 was up 39 per cent at £19.95bn compared to £14.38bn in 1999.

The survey reveals that approximately one per cent fewer funds are investing in private equity but that the amount invested has increased to £2.8bn from £2.525bn last year.

Brainspark and Royal & Sun Alliance’s Global Ventures unit have formed a strategic relationship in order to explore ‘innovative new business models in the field of technology and financial services.’

The UK facilities management business has been sold to a Finnish-based lift and escalator company.

A Dresdner Kleinwort Benson Research report says that UK investors still lag behind their US counterparts when it comes to investing in private equity but predicts this is set to change.

The investment is part of a Lazy’s first round of private equity funding which aims to raise £6m. Its founders have funded the company to date.

The Finnish private equity firm has taken a 25 per cent stake in the technology enabling company.

The company will use the money raised in a private funding round to progress its clinical programmes and increase its in-house research capability.

The latest Initiative Europe focus report says that private capital is increasingly being raised for investment in European technology companies despite turbulence in the world’s public markets.

Trade & Industry Secretary Stephen Byers has agreed with the Director General of Fair Trading's view that the takeover by Interbrew would reduce competition in the UK beer market and drive up prices for consumers.