James Taylor

Richard Lambert, the head of the Confederation of British Industry, a trade body that has been attracting support from some of Europe’s large buyout firms, has criticised private equity’s public relations efforts.

Jefferies, the US boutique investment bank, has signalled its intention to further develop its European private equity offering by appointing Bruce Huber and Warren Scott to manage financial sponsor relationships in the region. It is also looking to build its financing business.

The pan-European trade body has urged caution after the UK Treasury Select Committee suggested private equity needed closer scrutiny. EVCA has taken the unusual step of wading into a national row because it believes any changes could have far-reaching consequences for the industry across Europe.

Global equity markets fell yesterday as investors, spooked by the recent jitters in the credit markets, looked to take refuge in less risky stocks.

The Carlyle Group has finally completed the troubled flotation of a credit vehicle on Amsterdam’s Euronext exchange, raising $300 million.

The central Europe mezzanine specialist has held a first close on its debut fund as it looks to capitalise on the favourable conditions for mezzanine investors. The fund has raised just under half of its €125 million target.

Och-Ziff, one of the world’s largest hedge fund managers, will become the latest alternative asset manager to tap the public markets after revealing plans for a possible flotation on the New York Stock exchange.

City of London veteran Paul Myners has given UK private equity a boost by telling the Treasury Select Committee not to recommend further regulation of the industry. However, he took a less sympathetic view of practitioners’ current tax treatment.

Alliance Boots chairman Sir Nigel Rudd thinks the UK Pensions Regulator should be allowed to decide the appropriate level of funding for the pension schemes of companies involved in buyout deals.

Venture debt provider Kreos Capital has strengthened its senior team with the recruitment of Luca Colciago from Noble as a partner. The hire comes as the firm continues to invest its latest fund, which was closed in April and is being deployed at a rapid rate.