Private equity firm TPG's future in Europe is being questioned after the failed ownership of Poundworld, labelled as "pure mismanagement" by the company's founder Chris Edwards. The Financial Times argues that there is a mistrust of the firm in many European countries, but that the firm is now looking to focus on fewer sectors in order to provide solid returns for its investors worldwide.
The Financial Times this week writes on the fortunes of the executives at the Turkish branch of Abraaj Group, who are looking for a clean break in the form of a buyout by Canadian asset manager Brookfield. It is suggested that Abraaj's downfall could cause difficulties for private equity investors in the region moving forwards, as well as in other emerging markets.
In tribute to the Halloween season, Private Equity News has published a list of the key issues facing the private equity industry, despite the face it is currently riding the crest of a wave. The list includes: the risk of increased regulation from the US; high valuations driven by increased competition and tensions caused by the actions of Donald Trump.
French politicians last week voted to cut the rate of tax paid on private equity profits in order to tempt UK private equity firms to relocate to France, writes Private Equity News. The proposal still needs approval from the French parliament's upper house, but could result in foreign investment firms paying nearly 50% less tax.
Following news that Thoma Bravo offered jobs to young, hungry investment bankers almost 2 years before their prospective start date, private equity's hiring processes in America have come under scrutiny. Bloomberg opines that early recruitment can only be a good thing and firm should even consider recruiting directly from university – on condition that the lucky graduate finds and completes a job as an analyst at an investment bank. The early bird really does capture the private equity worm.
Boston headquartered private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners has raised a cool $3.59bn for its eight fund. Private Equity News notes that this fund has overtaken its initial target of $3bn.
The Miami-based H.I.G. has announced the close of its first midmarket buyout fund, named H.I.G. Advantage Buyout Fund, which had set a target of $2.75bn earlier this year. The firm said it has already made three investments from the fund, according to Private Equity News.
Private equity behemoth CVC Capital Partners is looking to rise an eyewatering $1.5bn for its second technology growth fund, according to Private Equity News. The fund would be the largest the firm has ever raised for its growth strategy.
ArchiMed SAS has said it has raised over half of the €800m target for its new midmarket healthcare fund. It last raised a fund in 2017, closing on €315m, writes Private Equity News.
And it's Triton to the rescue: according to Private Equity News, the European private equity firm Triton Partners is looking to raise roughly €500m for its latest debt fund. According to sources close to Triton, the fund will be nearly the same size as its debut fund.
Patrimonium Private Equity has announced that it is due to launch a new mid-market fund following the sale of CCS Group. The fund will invest in business focusing on consolidation, internationalisation and digital transformation, according to Real Deals.
A trio of Canadian investment managers are due to launch a new $400m-$600m private equity fund according to Financial Post. Peloton Capital Management is due to target mid-market investments with a longer-term holding strategy than traditional private equity funds.
Bal Johal and Ian Wallis have been named as the new Co-Chief Executives at MML, taking over from Rory Brooks, who will become Chairman.
Omers Private Equity has appointed Jonathan Mussellwhite as a Senior Managing Director and its Head of Europe. Mussellwhite was previously the Co-head for Europe.
Clearwater International has promoted Michael Loudon to Partner in its north-west of England practice.
"Now we must pull together to build the bright, prosperous future that is within Britain's if we choose to seize it: embracing change, not hiding from it, building on the inherent strength of the British economy and the indomitable spirit of the British people." – Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond's conclusion of the Autumn Statement.