Western Europe

Lion bites into food sector

Lion Capital is backing the food sector for growth in a secondary transaction, which marks the culmination of CapVest’s acquisitive run building one of Europe’s largest frozen food manufacturers.

$31m funding for Chinese photovoltaic product manufacturer

ET Solar has received $50m in funding in the last four months as private equity firms continue to invest heavily in China's alternative energy sector and the environment.

European deals down 50% in value

But signs of a limited recovery at the larger end of the mid-market are reasons for optimism in a tough economic environment. The mid-market is holding firm, says Candover's Colin Buffin.

Advent sells site to Expedia

The global buyout firm backed the expansion of Italian travel site Venere, which grew quickly in two years to a size attractive to its global rival.

HSBC vows to keep KEB listed

HSBC has entered into an agreement with KEB's labour union, affirming that the Korean bank will not be delisted and that its employees will be protected, if its buyout attempt is approved.

Hudson backs solar specialist Recurrent Energy with $75m

The clean energy private equity shop has also tapped former Shell solar power director Terry Jester as an entrepreneur-in-residence. Recurrent has secured high-profile projects for the City of San Francisco.

One Equity portfolio company raises €19m via property sale and leasebacks

One Equity’s packaging firm Schoeller Arca Systems, which counts Coca Cola and Heineken among its clients, has sold the two manufacturing facilities to NYSE-quoted real estate firm, W. P. Carey.

Amadeus backs GreenRoad

The UK venture firm has joined in an $18m financing round for GreenRoad, a driver safety technology company that reduces road accidents, fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Benchmark, Virgin Green Fund and Balderton also participated.

Investcorp buys Italian pump and valve maker

The Middle East firm is buying CEME Group from Barclays Private Equity in a mid-market secondary buyout. Management is rolling over its investment.

Egeria hits hard cap at €500m; sells Advang to Lion

Dutch GP attracts investors to mid-market offering, agrees to sell a frozen snack producer to consumer brands specialist Lion Capital.