Private Equity
<p><em>One of the least surprising news stories to emerge this week was a report (from law firm RW Baird) suggesting that European M&A activity slumped to its lowest level for almost three years in April: August 2009 was the last month when there was such a dearth of deals. Inevitably, the report pinned the blame on the ongoing chaos in the eurozone, suggesting that the recent elections in Greece and France had "heightened uncertainties".</em></p> <p> </p>
3 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>It’s time for firms to link management fees more directly to the cost of running the business.</em></p> <p> </p>
3 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>Data points and statistic-filled slide decks are important tools, but panellists at our Investor Relations Forum this week reminded peers that the power of storytelling – both with LPs and the general public – must not be forgotten.</em></p> <p><em> </em></p>
4 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>As private equity firms supplement existing M&A specialists with operational experts, marrying the two very different attitudes and skillsets presents a significant challenge, according to speakers at our Operating Partners Forum this week in London. </em></p> <p> </p>
4 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>Fund managers have a delicate balance to strike with their investor base as some LPs are getting hot and bothered over larger institutions securing special terms. </em></p>
2 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>The best way for the industry to get out ahead of its critics is to highlight its ability to add operational value to portfolio companies. We've come up something that we hope will help.</em></p>
3 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>Conventional wisdom holds that turnover at private equity firms is a red flag for investors – but should it be?</em></p> <p> </p>
4 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>Two swallows do not a summer make, but the $6.6bn acquisition of Suddenlink this week, and the rumoured buyout of RBS-owned insurer Direct Line for a similar amount, suggest big buyouts could be coming back into fashion. Given the amount of dry powder that needs to be spent, it’s about time. </em></p> <p> </p>
3 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>Over the next few weeks, competitors will strive to demonstrate their skill and proficiency, finely honed in some cases over many years. There’ll also be some athletes competing in the Olympics. </em></p> <p> </p>
2 min read · 28 January 2013
<p><em>For investors in private equity there’s a fine line between making sure your managers stick to their investment mandate on the one hand, and giving them the freedom to invest opportunistically to generate superior returns on the other. </em></p>
3 min read · 28 January 2013
