Jenny Bollen

Close Brothers has warned of the dramatic rise in the issuance of high-yield bonds, which the UK financial advisory company believes will lead to a rise in complex corporate restructurings and distressed situations.

Langholm Capital has completed its initial public offering of Just Retirement, increasing the value of the company by almost £400 million in two years.

Europe’s largest quoted private equity manager has made five hires in a week, including Jim McLean as partner.

The Carlyle Group has bought Bigmouthmedia as the online marketing sector approaches a global value of $20 billion.

Gresham Private Equity has sold a care worker recruitment company, in the company’s second exit in a week.

Gilde Buy Out Partners is buying Groupe Novasep for €425 million, after materials business Rockwood Holding grew the company after a merger in 2004.

Analysts Moody’s Investors Services highlights that a debt issuer rated one category below investment grade will double its default risk when acquired by a private equity sponsor.

The ratings agency says infrastructure is overvalued, blaming private equity interest in the sector and cheap financing.

According to Private Equity Real Estate, the supersized war chest points to the continued influence of private equity firms on real estate around the world.

EMI is in early stage talks with private equity houses, underlining private equity’s interest in the media and entertainment sectors.