Western Europe

Edmond de Rothschild, 3i acquire hotel website

Through the purchase of website FastBooking, two private equity firms are looking to take advantage of the growing trend of internet booking.

Bridges’ truck investment makes two times money

As private equity comes under fire Bridges Community Ventures shows viability of socially aware investing by backing businesses in deprived regions in the UK.

Debt financing holds firm for mid-market(2)

CIT Capital Finance has delivered financing for the Rutland Partners-led acquisition of Pulse Home Products while Electra Private Equity has carried out a third refinancing on Allflex.

Investors flock to Wendel’s €1bn float of consultancy

Wendel, the French investment company, has partially floated industry standards consultancy Bureau Veritas, although it retains a majority stake. The float was ten times oversubscribed.

Lightyear lines up Lloyd’s membership for its first UK acquisition

Lightyear Capital has acquired the UK operations of German insurance company Württembergische Versicherung, after ensuring the company could become a member of Lloyd’s of London.

Government to block Lone Star KEB sale to HSBC

Lone Star’s attempts to sell its controversial stake in Korea Exchange Bank are set to be delayed still further, just days after the firm’s office was raided by tax officials investigating its recent deals.

Pantheon and Nova pick up laboratory group for £75m

Pantheon Ventures and secondary investor Nova have bought the scientific laboratory business of Barloworld as it looks to grow the business overseas.

Debt financing holds firm for mid-market

CIT Capital Finance has delivered financing for the Rutland Partners-led acquisition of Pulse Home Products while Electra Private Equity has carried out a third refinancing on Allflex.

Marel pressures Candover Stork bid(3)

Icelandic food processing group Marel has upped its stake in Dutch conglomerate Stork placing pressure on UK buyout firm Candover’s accepted bid.

Kennet provides first venture backing for wireless chip provider(3)

Dutch wireless audio company STS has had its first ever venture backing from Kennet Partners, as companies in the wireless space continue to attract venture funding.