Western Europe

European buyout boom continues in Q1(2)

In the first three months of 2007, European private equity activity topped €50 billion for the second successive quarter, according to a new report, with the mid-market performing particularly well.

Blackstone tries again with Cineworld(2)

The Blackstone Group will this week make its third attempt to float Cineworld, a UK cinema group expected to be valued at about £240 million. The buyout firm has already cancelled two previous public offerings because of adverse market conditions.

Citi, JC Flowers to divvy up BISYS(2)

BISYS, a provider of outsourcing solutions for the investment and insurance industries, is set to be acquired by Citi for $1.5 billion; it will then sell two BISYS divisions to JC Flowers.

KKR lands Boots knockout blow(2)

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has struck a knockout blow in the battle for UK health and beauty chain Alliance Boots this morning, after sweetening its bid to £11 billion and increasing the stake it controls to about 25 percent.

KKR, CD&R in $7.1bn food distributor deal(2)

Dutch retail giant Royal Ahold has agreed to sell its food distribution company, US Foodservice, to KKR and CD&R for $7.1 billion.

CQS hires buyout fundraising veteran(2)

UK hedge fund group CQS has hired Chris Cooke, a former fundraiser at Lehman Brothers, into a senior marketing role.

Social networking, European style(2)

European social networking site Netlog has just received its first round of funding from European venture capital firm Index Ventures. Its success in rolling out its model across different geographies illustrates how European venture firms can help local firms become global winners, says James Taylor.

Countrywide backs Apollo bid(2)

Shareholders in Countrywide, a UK estate agency, voted overwhelmingly in favour of Apollo Management’s £1.05 billion offer today. The US buyout firm had been forced to sweeten its bid yesterday to fend off an eleventh hour approach from an unnamed suitor – reportedly UK group 3i.

Mezzanine Management leads £120m refinancing(2)

Mezzanine Management has led the £120 million refinancing of The Regard Partnership, a residential care group, as the mezzanine specialist continues to focus on more self-sponsored deals.

ABN AMRO hives off buyout teams(2)

The Dutch bank is giving its buyout and expansion capital teams greater freedom to raise external money, as Barclays bid for the whole business is recommended.