Robert Venes

Robeco Sustainable Private Equity will invest in sustainable energy venture capital and buyout funds in North America, Western Europe and emerging markets.

Richard Sharp, the head of Goldman Sachs’ European private equity division, is stepping down as the firm gears up for a new fundraising.

Peter Reinish, partner at Global Life Science Ventures, argues that biotechnology will play a decisive role in the development of the healthcare sector.

Candover, a London-based private equity firm, has offered 415 pence per share for business mail service DX Services, with plans to merge the company with business-to-consumer mail service Secure Mail Services.

Castlebeck, sold to a subsidiary of the Barchester Healthcare Group, is HgCapital’s fifth transaction in the healthcare sector in the past 18 months.

Doughty Hanson has exited its investment in RHM, makers of Hovis bread and Mr Kipling cakes, with the sale of its remaining 26% stake through a secondary placing.

Auctus Management, a German mid-cap private equity manager, has generated more than €100m and an 18 times money multiple on the €250m sale of Time Partner, a temporary staffing business, to Investcorp.

BC Partners, a London-based private equity firm, and AXA Private Equity, the private equity arm of the French insurance group, have teamed up to acquire Médica, a French nursing home business.

Alternative Hotel Group’s third offer for De Vere, valuing the company at about €767m, has seen off Permira’s interest in the UK hotel and leisure chain.

New laws stemming from the EU Takeover Directive will impact private equity firms undertaking public-to-privates. By Andy Thomson.