Western Europe

On a need to know basis(3)

There is no reason why private equity pay should be publicly disclosed, writes Private Equity International's Philip Borel.

JC Flowers recruits Myners for Northern Rock bid(2)

JC Flowers, the financial services firm, has recruited a heavyweight team in its takeover bid for troubled UK bank Northern Rock. Paul Myners, Flowers’ choice for chairman, has temporarily stepped down from his role at the Bank of England to avoid a conflict of interest.

Winning the war(4)

The competition for private equity listings in Europe is fierce. London has clawed back a victory under its old regime. In November, the gloves come off, writes Nicholas Lockley.

3i purchases pharmaceutical company for $395m

The global investment firm has bought Nordic company Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, signalling a possible increase in buyouts in the traditionally big pharmaceutical-dominated medical device sector.

Abraaj raises region’s largest ever fund, plans float(2)

Abraaj Capital, the Dubai-based investment firm led by Arif Naqvi, has held a record close on its infrastructure and growth capital fund as it mulls listing on the Dubai stock exchange DIFX.

3i, ABN AMRO back oil & gas company

Continuing the growing involvement of buyout firms in the oil and gas sector 3i and ABN Amro’s merchant banking arm have taken a £53 million stake in TSMarine.

Pension funds expect 11% returns from the asset class(2)

Pension funds anticipate private equity returns over the next three years to be 38 percent lower than managers’ expectations. However, pension funds’ desire to invest in the asset class remains high.

Braemar closes second fund on $250m(4)

New York firm Braemar Energy Ventures has raised $250 million for its second fund, which is more than 4 times the size of its predecessor.

Industry prepares for future FSA investigations(3)

The industry is taking preventative steps to stave off investigation by UK regulator the Financial Services Authority by attempting to “step inside the mind of the regulator.”

CVC in $750m Taiwanese window deal(3)

CVC Asia Pacific added a $200 million mainland blind manufacturing business to its basket before closing the $750 million deal for shutter manufacturer Nien Made.