In a reversal of recent trends, the UK private equity market appears poised for a significant increase of IPOs at the same time as public-to-privates lose popularity.
In its first deal, New York-based Protostar Equity Partners has agreed to buy CIT Group’s portfolio of direct private equity investments.
Enterprise Inns has confirmed that it plans to exercise its call option to acquire the remaining stake in the Unique Pub Company for £609m from Cinven.
Vestar Capital Partners, the US-based private equity firm, is to acquire the majority of funeral operator Service Corporation International’s (SCI) French operations for $372m.
Willis Group, the insurance broker, has hired three London-based risk insurance specialists from Aon Mergers & Acquisitions Group to build up its European M&A and private equity franchise.
Kodiak Venture Partners, the Waltham, Massachusetts, seed and early stage specialist, has closed its third investment vehicle.
In one of its biggest growth equity investments in recent years, Boston’s Summit Partners has backed an online stock and equity options brokerage.
Figures published for Asian private equity activity in 2003 reveal that a record $17.5bn was invested while fundraising was up eleven percent at $3bn.
CDC Capital Partners, the UK-based emerging markets investor, has completed a $26m mezzanine investment in Orascom Telecom Algeria as part of a €545m funding package for the business.
The two firms have reached agreement to acquire the Swedish-based business of the US pharmaceutical group in a deal worth $575m.