Western Europe

Buy or be bought: the message is clear for technology companies

Private equity is likely to have another big year backing technology buyouts in the UK, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers, as trade buyers return elsewhere.

McCreevy: “Private equity is good for the market”

Charlie McCreevy, the European Union’s internal market commissioner, has leapt to the defence of the private equity and hedge fund industries, while criticising their public relations efforts.

TPG, Apollo to buy Harrah’s for $17bn(3)

After months of negotiation, the board of the gaming company has agreed to a sweetened offer from the two private equity firms.

RREEF docks into Peel Ports

The global real estate investment manager has bought a minority stake in the ports business of private UK property group Peel Holdings in the latest example of infrastructure luring property investors.

Investcorp buys inspection company from Close Brothers for $311m(3)

Investcorp has made its first investment in the energy sector with the $311 million acquisition of an inspection services company from Close Brothers.

Actis hires oil and gas head

Actis has boosted its oil and gas operations in Africa and South East Asia with sector veteran Meb Somani, who has been hired as head of the division.

BVCA defends industry transparency(3)

The UK’s trade association has responded to suggestions from Sir Derek Higgs, a champion of corporate governance, that buyout firms need to increase transparency by highlighting the good relations between the industry and its investors.

BVCA moves to diffuse union row

The UK’s industry body is set to meet with trade union representatives, as two Labour deputy leadership candidates support union opposition to private equity.

A future in fuel cells

BASF venture capital, the investment arm of the German chemical giant, may not be the only firm pouring money into energy management, but it has been one of the more active. Dave Keating reports.

Investcorp buys industrial materials business(3)

Investcorp, a Bahrain and London-listed alternative assets manager, will buy Armacell International, an insulation manufacturer, for an undisclosed amount, in its second acquisition in the industrial sector this year.