Western Europe

Kreos puts another €50m to work

The venture debt specialist has invested another €50 million after agreeing ten deals in as many weeks, as it continues to take advantage of strong demand to put its third fund to work at express pace.

Bridgepoint exits Marathon with sale to De Agostini

Bridgepoint exits the Marathon Group, the French TV production company, through a sale to trade buyer De Agostini. It had built up the company through a buy and build strategy over the last nine years.

Bisgaard-Frantzen to launch Private Advisors in Europe(3)

Private Advisors has hired one of Scandinavia’s biggest investors in private equity to push its business outside the US.

NBGI holds £62.5m first close(2)

Buyout firm NBGI Private Equity has held a first close on its second fund, as it looks to repeat the success it has enjoyed with the fund’s predecessor.

Bridges buys first “keyworker housing” block(3)

The UK venture firm with a social mission has bought three apartment blocks for NHS workers in Plymouth, as the issue of affordable housing for public sector workers becomes increasingly important in the UK.

ICG backs pharma logistics MBO(3)

Intermediate Capital Group has taken a minority stake in logistics company Marken, as part of a secondary buyout from FTSE 100 listed private equity group 3i.

BVCA says it won’t split

The battered UK trade organisation says it needs “sharper focus” but intends to remain a single organisation representing VCs, mid-market groups and big LBO funds under one roof.

EVCA hits out at Treasury probe(3)

The pan-European trade body has urged caution after the UK Treasury Select Committee suggested private equity needed closer scrutiny. EVCA has taken the unusual step of wading into a national row because it believes any changes could have far-reaching consequences for the industry across Europe.

ICG backs pharma logistics MBO(2)

Intermediate Capital Group has taken a minority stake in logistics company Marken, as part of a secondary buyout from FTSE 100 listed private equity group 3i.

BVCA names communications veteran as chief executive

The search for a new chief executive has ended with the appointment of Simon Walker, a communications specialist and one time secretary to HM The Queen. He is also an adviser to the government on red-tape reduction.