James Taylor
3i’s annual results revealed another strong year, with record realisations and investment up 42 percent. The group will return £800 million to shareholders.
US venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson has led a first round of funding for CastTV, a video search engine company that has various internet business luminaries on its board.
The Bank of England’s monthly financial stability report has warned that the recent meltdown in the US sub-prime mortgage sector could be repeated in the UK, as leveraged lenders exploit the benign economic conditions to increase their risk-taking.
UK-based Coller Capital has closed a $4.5 billion secondaries fund, the biggest ever raised. The fund was nonetheless substantially over-subscribed.
CCMP Capital Asia has been hit with $32 million tax bill from the South Korean authorities, in the latest setback for private equity firms active in the country.
India continues to be an increasingly attractive prospect for venture capitalists. The first quarter saw an increase in investment, while the number of successful exits offers further cause for optimism.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts may yet face some serious competition for UK health and beauty chain Alliance Boots, after reports that Terra Firma and the Wellcome Trust are planning a rival bid.
US private equity group Lone Star Funds said it plans to sell two South Korean companies in its portfolio, fuelling speculation that it is looking to withdraw from the country altogether following the government’s ongoing scrutiny of its investments in the region.
Australian bank Macquarie has criticised the Alinta board for recommending a rival bid led by Babcock & Brown.
US buyout group TA Associates has made its latest acquisition in the healthcare sector, buying disease management company Alere Medical. It is the firm’s third deal in three weeks.