Western Europe

Iberia financing nearly in place(3)

The TPG Capital-BA consortium has secured a team of banks to underwrite its bid for Spanish airline Iberia, after the chief executive of the UK airline Willie Walsh said the bid would be tabled within four to six weeks.

Major study hints at PE’s negative impact on jobs(2)

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.

Virgin Active to appoint adviser for sale(4)

Virgin Active, the Bridgepoint and Permira-backed UK gymnasium, is considering appointing an adviser to sell the company next year.

Virgin and Flowers submit bids for the Rock(2)

The bids are shaping up for UK bank Northern Rock as its share price continues to drop.

The guilty men(3)

Who was really at fault for the Sainsbury’s debacle? Nicholas Lockley points the finger.

Mezzanine Management supports German WIS Group buyout

Eighth investment made from MM Fund IV highlight resurgent interest in mezzanine debt.

Branson says no to 18% CGT, extend holding time(3)

Sir Richard Branson, the founder of UK business Virgin Group, has called for the UK Chancellor Alistair Darling to ditch plans to remove “taper-relief” on capital gains. Branson joins a widespread group of protesters against the reforms.

Silver Lake wraps third fund on $9.3bn

The US firm has closed its third, tech-focussed buyout fund slightly below its $10 billion target, but it is more than double the size of its predecessor vehicle.

Oak Hill buys $2bn aerospace company from Carlyle, Lehman(2)

Oak Hill Capital Partners looks to round out its growing aerospace portfolio with the purchase of Firth Rixson.

Bain buyout falls foul of US regulator

The US Committee on Foreign Investment has indicated it will block the acquisition of IT networking company 3Com because of Bain’s minority Chinese trade partner Huawei.