Western Europe

Carlyle & Riverstone back UK’s first bioethanol plant

The Carlyle Group and Riverstone Holdings have teamed up to back The Ensus Group, which is planning to build the UK’s first bioethanol plant.

Close Brothers exits two portfolio companies

Close Brothers Private Equity, a UK mid-market firm, has sold United Transport International, a freight logistics business, and its stake in V.Ships, a shipping company.

Boots yields to increased KKR bid

The UK retailer will open its books to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, after the buyout firm increased its bid to £10.40 per share or £10.1 billion.

Iceni Capital does three deals in one day

UK mid-market firm Iceni Capital has closed three deals in one day , buying marketing services company Pell & Bales, and two communications companies that it has merged into one group.

Xchanging launches £500m float

General Atlantic portfolio company Xchanging, an IT outsourcing business, has confirmed plans for a London listing that could value it at £500 million.

Partners Group rewards shareholders after bumper year

Shareholders in Partners Group, the Swiss alternative asset manager, are set for a €43 million payout after the company enjoyed a highly successful first year as a listed entity.

Atos denies Permira approach

French IT firm Atos has denied receiving a €4 billion buyout offer from Permira and US hedge fund Centaurus Capital, in what would be an unusual example of a private equity firm and a hedge fund working together to take a company private.

FL takes Refresco revenues above €1bn

Icelandic investor FL Group has bought the French soft drinks business Sun Beverages for an undisclosed sum, its third bolt-on acquisition in two months for expanding portfolio company Refresco.

Amadeus closes $310m fund above target

UK-based Amadeus Capital Partners has overcome a difficult fundraising climate for European venture firms by closing a $310m fund, slightly above its original target.

SVG flourishes as Permira defies critics

SVG Capital has reaped the rewards of backing UK buyout firm Permira – the group has out-performed the stock market by about ten per cent a year since 1996, and saw a 24 percent rise in net asset value in 2006. However, it warned of trickier times ahead.