Matilda Battersby
A recent study by BVCA analysed the performance of private equity-owned portfolio companies in the UK and found that they achieved 330% higher returns than the public equivalents. The report includes household names such as Alliance Boots, New Look, Thames Water and Weetabix.
Philadelphia-based clean technology investment firm Element Partners has appointed Kathleen McGinty, the first female leader of the White House Council of Environment under President Clinton, as operating partner.
The listed European buyout firm has appointed Fredrik Arp as senior advisor to lead investment in the Nordic region of Europe. Arp is the former chief executive officer of Volvo, but left the firm last year after a three year stint at its Swedish headquarters.
The UK mid-market firm has rewarded three members of its investment team following a spate of deals in 2008.
The alternative investment arm of banking giant Morgan Stanley has appointed Christophe Nicolas to help it to take advantage of the increase in secondary transactions in the private equity market.
The Beverly Hills-based private equity firm has recruited the Paris-based managing partner of Naxos Capital, Robert Lezec, to head up the company’s global transactions. OpenGate had an active end to 2008, acquiring major stakes in British modelling agency Models 1 and US TV Guide Magazine in December.
The global private equity firm has made the hire to support its investment advisory activities in the financial services sector.
Only half of the 32 participating private equity firms are in full compliance with the BVCA-backed Walker Guidelines, the first report shows. The guidelines were established in 2007 by David Walker. Participating private equity firms include The Blackstone Group, 3i and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.
Oliver Blechner has resigned amid reported rumours of a personality clash at the top.
California-based firm SolFocus has secured funding from venture capital firms including Apex, NEA and NGEN Partners to expand its solar panel manufacturing business. This is the first time Apex has invested in clean technology.