Clare Burrows

The European arm of HIG Capital’s recent acquisition of The Losberger Group was its eleventh deal this year – and it remains bullish about the current market.

UK SME bosses are optimistic about the immediate future of their businesses – although this doesn’t necessarily spell good news for the UK economy as a whole, according to a recent survey.

European alternatives manager AXA Private Equity has continued its deal spree this year, following a swathe of secondaries deals and buyouts with a growth capital investment in Facebook marketing agency KRDS.

Google’s former China head has raised $180m from a heavy-hitting group of LPs to invest in Chinese internet-focused companies.

London-listed private equity group 3i has fallen out of the FTSE 100 for the second time in three years, after its share price failed to keep pace with a stock market rally yesterday.

Private equity fund manager Electra Partners has appointed Chris Hanna from rival Phoenix as an investment partner, as the firm eyes further hires to boost its headcount.

European private equity firm Bridgepoint has acquired sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media, after its bid of more than €550m trumped those from rivals.

UK and Ireland-listed financial services business IFG Group is in exclusive talks with Bregal Capital regarding a €231m takeover deal.

An overwhelming majority of investors who responded to a recent survey planned to maintain or increase their allocations to private equity, with high fees and a lack of transparency dissuading the remainder from committing more capital to the asset class.

UK state-backed investment vehicle the Business Growth Fund continues to grow its fledgling investment team, bolstering its ranks in Edinburgh with the addition of former Dunedin Capital Partners executive Duncan Macrae.