Western Europe

Indigo raises €550m in just four months

Indigo Capital, an independent mezzanine manager, has raised €550 million for its fifth European mezzanine fund – exceeding its €500 million target – in a swift fundraising.

EVCA: Industry thriving across the board(2)

Record amounts of funds were raised and invested in European private equity in 2006, according to pan-European trade body EVCA, with even the venture segment showing signs of a comeback.

Actis leads $134m investment in Nigerian bank(3)

Actis has taken a minority stake in Nigeria-based Diamond Bank, shortly after the country’s scandal-dogged elections. But despite the governance concerns, buyout firms are optimistic about the country’s economic and political future.

Mid-market fears tax hike(2)

Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Treasury Select Committee hearing, where MPs are expected to criticise the low tax rates enjoyed by the private equity industry’s biggest firms, UK mid-market groups are worried about being caught in the crossfire.

Figures hint at venture comeback

The venture capital industry seems to be profiting from the record levels of capital flowing into the private equity industry, even though its returns continue to lag behind the buyout funds. Jo Nash reports.

Return of the Mack(3)

In announcing the resignation of chief executive Peter Linthwaite today, UK trade body the BVCA revealed that former head John Mackie will return in a temporary capacity while it seeks a permanent replacement. James Taylor reports on his surprising return to the front line.

Candover brings an end to Stork saga(2)

Candover has agreed to pay €1.5 billion to buy Stork, a Dutch industrial conglomerate that has been involved in a long-running battle over strategy with the two hedge funds that are its biggest shareholders.

Mid-market fears tax hike

Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Treasury Select Committee hearing, where MPs are expected to criticise the low tax rates enjoyed by the private equity industry’s biggest firms, UK mid-market groups are worried about being caught in the crossfire.

Doughty Hanson in £100m dispute

Bruce Roe, one of the original members of Doughty Hanson, is reportedly suing the UK-based buyout firm and its two founders because he believes accountant Price Waterhouse Coopers has undervalued his shares by £95 million.

Buyout firms highlight pension fund beneficiaries in defence(3)

The five firms giving evidence to the UK Parliament’s investigation hope a mixture of hard fact about successful deals and plain talking about tax among other issues will make a stronger case than the BVCA managed with its lamentable performance last week.