Western Europe

Hermes Private Equity buys food brands(4)

The UK mid-market firm has acquired the manufacturer of TV celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott's branded food products installing a new management team to grow the business.

Brown says he will close any PE tax loophole(2)

The UK prime minister Gordon Brown has said he will close any tax loophole private equity enjoys, as the clearest sign so far that the UK government intends to change the carried interest tax relief enjoyed by buyout executives.

Advent lands first UK PTP since credit crunch(3)

European buyout firm Advent International has bought domestic goods insurer Domestic & General in one of the first public to private deals since problems in the debt markets began.

Citi-backed Spanish consortium unveils plans for Iberia

A consortium including Spanish billionaires and regional bank BBK has tabled a bid for national airline Iberia which could cause problems for the TPG-BA consortium’s rival bid.

Barclays Private Equity closes on €2.4bn(3)

The UK private equity arm of Barclays Capital has closed its third European fund, having raising the entire capital from existing investors.

Advent lands first UK PTP since credit crunch(2)

European buyout firm Advent International has bought domestic goods insurer Domestic & General in one of the first public to private deals since problems in the debt markets began.

HarbourVest fleshes plans for $828m fund listing

In a bid to woo investors, global fund of funds manager HarbourVest Partners has chosen a fee-free structure and is picking up the expenses for the fund offering, which will list next month 90 percent committed.

Branson says no to 18% CGT, extend holding time

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.

SVG’s value rises on Permira exits(2)

SVG, the London-based fund manager, increased its net asset value per share on the back of several realisations by UK buyout firm Permira in whose funds the majority of its capital is committed.

Buyouts break European record(2)

The industry is braced for a slow down as buyouts hit a European high in the first half of 2007. The second half looks more restrained after the banking liquidity crisis of the summer. Continental European deals were among the largest, said Tom Lamb, co-head Barclays Private Equity.