Western Europe

Walker defends report(3)

Sir David Walker has spoken out against demands for separate legislation of private equity and has defended his decision to give UK industry group the BVCA the responsibility of enforcing his proposed code of conduct.

HarbourVest moves into real estate

The global fund of funds manager has hired former Netherlands-based Composition Capital managing director Randy Parker to oversee private equity real estate investments.

Middle East investors defy the credit crunch(3)

While the credit markets have placed many private equity deals on hold, the ability of investors from the Middle East to deploy capital appears undiminished.

SVG writes down Permira deals to tune of £67m

The listed alternative asset manager incurred losses on its investments in four Permira portfolio companies last year, but its fund management business grew and Permira made ten profitable realisations.

BS completes first exit since 2006

BS Private Equity’s 2.5 times return from its exit of Sicurglobal, the Italian security service firm, to Stirling Square Capital Partners may provide a boost to the firm’s fundraising plans.

Capital Dynamics promotes New York exec

Cynthia Duda has become a managing director at the Switzerland-headquartered alternative asset investment consultant and private equity investor.

Buyout code proposals given teeth(3)

Sir David Walker’s report on transparency and disclosure has encouraged UK industry body, the BVCA, to name, shame and expel non-compliers with his proposed code.

Bridgepoint closing in on €5bn

Having come close to its €4 billion target, the European buyout firm is looking to wrap up fundraising by May.

Governor: US infrastructure begs investment

The Governor of Pennsylvania, Edward Rendell, calls for more public-private partnerships amid warnings that American infrastructure is ‘crumbling’ and needs more than $1.6tr in improvements.

The transformer

If his firm can't change it, Donald Gogel won't buy it. The CEO of New York buyout firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice oversees an investment team that has since 1978 combined financial acumen with roll-upyour-sleeves operating work. It is an investment model now pursued by almost every major private equity firm, but Gogel argues that few firms are as committed to the granularity of operational change as is Clayton Dubilier. The former Rhodes scholar spoke recently with David Snow about standing out from the competition, his firm's stepped up co-investment activity and his days as a New York City streetballer.