Western Europe

Buyout code proposals given teeth(2)

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.

Northern Rock shares drop on low-ball bids(4)

The UK Treasury has made clear it can offer no guarantee of prolonged funding, causing potential bidders to make cautious indicative offers.

Providence recruits Morgan Stanley veteran

Andrew Tisdale has joined media specialist Providence Equity Partners having occupied many of the key positions in the communications sector at the investment bank.

Carlyle recruits European investment banker(2)

The Carlyle Group, the global investment firm, has expanded its European buyout team with Norbert Reis joining from Credit Suisse to cover the German and Austrian markets.

BVCA launches Walker compliance body(3)

UK industry body the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is bowing to pressure to be more transparent. The BVCA’s chief executive Simon Walker said the self-regulatory proposals were tough but necessary.

Doughty Hanson returns €80m via Quinlan sale

The UK private equity real estate firm is making almost six times its equity investment on the sale of a German property to the real estate firm founded by former Irish tax inspector Derek Quinlan.

Istithmar to buy Barneys department store for $950m

Clothing company Jones Apparel Group is in talks to sell luxury department store Barneys New York to Istithmar, the Dubai-based firm that has recently been active in the New York real estate market.

TLcom holds €50m first close

After battling through the wreckage of European venture’s post dotcom bubble landscape, TLcom has secured four reference investors to take the firm on to the next phase in its growth.

Endless investment opens doors for STP Group(4)

The turnaround and small buyout firm is building its portfolio of assets based in the North West of England, as it expands its regional focus to include Ireland.

Graphite Enterprise Trust sells Huntress to Nomura-backed team(4)

Secondary sale nets healthy return for the quoted buyout trust. Graphite backed the recruitment business from start-up to a network of 17 offices.