Western Europe

Apollo set to launch £1bn Countrywide bid(2)

Apollo Management now has the financing in place to launch its £1 billion bid for UK estate agency chain Countrywide.

GFH creates private equity division(2)

Gulf Finance House, an Islamic investment bank, has created a separate private equity division, to be headquartered in London, and has recruited Joe McGrane from RBS to head it.

Infineon linked with buyout bid(2)

Private equity interest in the computer chip manufacturing sector shows no sign of waning, with reports that Infineon, a listed German company, is the target of several leading buyout groups.

Alex Forbes consortium raises offer(2)

The consortium buying Alexander Forbes, a South African financial services group, has increased its offer despite having agreed the deal three months ago.

Countrywide soars as 3i keeps mum(2)

Shares in the UK estate agency business are up by more than 4 percent as 3i refuses to say whether it will make a fresh bid to top US rival Apollo Management’s knockout 590p-a-share offer.

General Atlantic considers Xchanging float(2)

US buyout firm General Atlantic is reportedly considering a flotation of Xchanging, the UK-based outsourcing business.

Blackstone eyes £1bn Jupiter deal(2)

Jupiter Asset Management, the Commerzbank-owned fund manager that is currently mulling its strategic options, has become the latest buyout target of The Blackstone Group.

Orlando Italy buys Sergio Tacchini ahead of debut fund close(2)

Orlando Italy, an offshoot of the German turnaround specialist set to close a debut €200 million fund, has bought troubled Italian sports label Sergio Tacchini.

ILPA names new executive director(2)

The Institutional Limited Partners Association has appointed Kathy Jeramaz-Larson to run its day-to-day operations.

Hg completes exit from Hirschmann(2)

HgCapital has completed its exit from the Hirschmann Group, selling the car communication division to management for an undisclosed sum.