Western Europe

1 ALLIANCE BOOTS<br/>TOUGH ON THE HIGH STREET

<p> 1 ALLIANCE BOOTS&lt;br/&gt;TOUGH ON THE HIGH STREET 2009-10-01 Staff Writer &lt;strong&gt;Written down despite decent trading&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;table&gt; &lt;tbody&gt; &lt;tr&gt; &lt;td&gt;&lt;strong&gt;THE DEAL&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt; &lt;td&gt;&lt;br&gt</p>

BC loses control of Foxtons

After more than a year of dicussions, high-profile London estate agents Foxtons has undergone a capital restructuring that sees its lenders own the majority of the equity.

BC completes second US investment, agrees Foxtons recap

Following its $350m PIPE in Office Depot, BC Partners has acquired a Texas-based education provider.

London deal ends busy year for CD&amp;R

The nearly £400m buyout of used-car dealership BCA means Clayton Dubilier has invested the first $1bn of its new $5bn fund.

Natixis considers platform merger

Following reports that secondaries firms are running the rule over Natixis Private Equity’s sprawling assets, the group is considering merging two of its direct investment firms.

Haiku of the month

Fees once fell like rain Our funds grew like prize pumpkins Now jack-o-lanterns

Year-End Spotlight: GPs spot an exit route

A long-awaited chance to realise some investments was presented to financial sponsors when the public markets bubbled back to life.

Walker may widen the net

The threshold for inclusion in the UK’s voluntary disclosure guidelines could be revamped to include smaller portfolio companies.

Report: Portland Capital to wind down

Portland Capital, a London-based firm backed by Apax founder Sir Ronald Cohen, is reportedly winding down its business specialising in managing a real estate securities fund.

European GPs finish &#039;09 with deal flurry

Matrix, AAC, Apax and LDC are among firms ending 2009 with fresh deals. Meanwhile, lawyers are lining up PE-backed IPOs and big ticket auctions continue for companies like Bridgepoint's Pets at Home.