Western Europe

Big buyout activity collapses

Investment banking revenues from buyout firms have plummeted and deal volume was down by 65 percent in a malignant quarter for mega-buyout firms.

Morgan Stanley to pay $698m for childcare centers

Morgan Stanley has agreed to take a 60 percent stake in the world's biggest publicly traded childcare center operator, ABC Learning.

Doughty Hanson acquires Midlands business park for £161m(2)

The UK firm has partnered with US REIT Liberty Property Trust to acquire the Blythe Valley Park from UK REIT British Land.

BVCA head says Walker report will go international

Simon Walker has supported growing momentum to make the transparency reforms apply beyond the UK shortly after PEO revealed they currently affect only 32 portfolio companies.

Caisse may channel C$1.6bn to Indian property by 2012(2)

Canadian pension fund manager Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec is reportedly looking to spend C$1.6bn on real estate in India in the next five years.

Major study hints at PE’s negative impact on jobs(4)

A researcher from the University of Chicago’s business school has presented preliminary findings from a study that could provide fodder for critics of private equity, who say the industry threatens US jobs.

PEO in the news(2)

Last Friday, Nicholas Lockley, editor of PEO, spoke about the battle for Northern Rock on two of the BBC's flagship radio breakfast programmes.

ISIS closes first independent fund on £238.5m(3)

The UK mid-market firm has closed its fourth fund above its initial £200 million target. It’s the firm’s first independent vehicle since spinning out of F&C Asset Management in 2005.

Middle East investors defy the credit crunch(2)

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.

Bridgepoint rewards team

The European mid-market buyout firm has promoted a number of staff on the back of an active 2007 and as it hits the final straight in its €4 billion fundraising effort.