Western Europe

LPX launches UK-listed PE index(3)

LPX, a private equity data provider, has published an index of the largest liquid UK investment vehicles. LPX’s Michel Degosciu said the listed private equity returns shown by the index will encourage more firms to embrace transparency.

EVCA criticism of Walker report could lead to “benchmark” status(2)

EVCA, the European trade body, has argued the UK private equity industry’s attempt at self-regulation, the Walker report, should address its reservations in order to become a “European benchmark”.

Larger buyout plunge continues, smaller deals blossom

The disappearance of mega deals in the European buyout market and a drop of nearly 50 percent in large mid-market volume contrasted to gains for the lower mid-market, growth capital and venture in the fourth quarter.

Pantheon and Nova pick up laboratory group for £75m(4)

Pantheon Ventures and secondary investor Nova have bought the scientific laboratory business of Barloworld as it looks to grow the business overseas.

ILPA elects CalPERS’ Mark to chair(4)

As the chair of the Institutional Limited Partners Association, CalPERS’ Joncarlo Mark will focus on growing the organisation’s research and education platforms.

Blackstone enters pole position in Close bidding

The US investment firm is the most prominent interested party in the bidding for UK investment bank Close Brothers and it is reportedly lining up a quick sale of the bank’s assets upon acquisition.

CVC in $750m Taiwanese window deal(2)

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.

Pension Corporation postpones Telent bid for a week(3)

Edmund Truell’s Pension Corporation has postponed its bid for ex-Marconi Telent by a week in response to the appointment of three independent trustees to the company’s pension board by the Pensions Regulator.

Lightyear lines up Lloyd’s membership for its first UK acquisition(4)

Lightyear Capital has acquired the UK operations of German insurance company Württembergische Versicherung, after ensuring the company could become a member of Lloyd’s of London.

Morgan hires Metalmark, Allianz GPs(2)

After three years at Morgan Stanley spin-out Metalmark, Eric Fry has been appointed partner at the investment bank’s new private equity arm. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley Private Equity’s London team has hired former Allianz Capital pro Michael Hehn.