News

Research released today on Europe’s private equity buy-outs shows an end to the mega buy-out deals but a new direction into small and medium sized transactions. UK buyout firm Incisive Media and Bridgepoint indicates a fall of 14% in the value of deals in Europe last year following the effects of the credit crunch in the second half. A senior partner at the firm says that the €1bn plus deals in early 2007 will be viewed as “a high water mark for at least a couple of years”.



The reduction in large sum transactions does not signal an end to private equity activity as evidence shows a move into small and medium sized buy-outs. Deals in Europe worth €250m-€1bn are up 38%. Unions can not turn their attention away from private equity activity and must act with vigilance as more and more workers are exposed to their highly restrictive and risky financial arrangements.