Matilda Battersby

Germany’s oldest private equity firm, which is listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange, cited ‘unrealised valuation changes’ as the chief reasons for a loss of roughly €51m in 2008.

Luxembourg-based Genii Capital has submitted a stalking horse bid to buy the 70-year-old photography brand. Polaroid filed for bankruptcy in December last year, following fraud investigations into its parent company Petters Group Worldwide.

The findings come from a new survey of 155 private equity institutions and banks which has been conducted by investment bank Jefferies.

Michael Queen will steer the private equity firm following Philip Yea's resignation from the top spot. Last year, 3i invested a total of £841m, down dramatically from the £1.8bn the prior year. 3i's share price has plummeted in recent months, this morning losing nearly 4%, giving it a £941m market capitalisation.

The UK-quoted investment firm has suffered a ‘marked deterioration’ in a number of ‘weaker assets’ since September.

Ethos Private Equity and Old Mutual Private Equity have invested in the African Northern Cape-based lime and calcium processing plant Idwala Industrial, for a reported 44 % stake. The deal represented an exit for the Tisco Group and RMB Ventures.

The Geneva-based hedge fund and private equity fund manager hopes to take advantage of bargains in the secondary and sustainable energy spheres with two new vehicles.

3i veteran Michael Queen will now steer the firm, whose top 50 investments lost £682m in the past nine months. Last year, 3i invested a total of £841m, down dramatically from the £1.8bn the prior year. 3i's share price has plummeted in recent months, this morning losing nearly 4%, giving it a £941m market capitalisation.

The Eastern European-focused alternative asset manager gave its first live online question and answer session, with senior investment executives making predictions for 2009. Last week Apax for the first time used an online video to communicate with investors.

A survey of 30 European private equity professionals reveals that more than half of respondents expect to restructure one or more of their portfolio companies in the next 12 months.