Nicholas Lockley

The spin-out from 3i is profiting from investor appetite for mid-market deals as the credit crunch hits large buyouts.

Now that the buyout boom is over, will private equity firms have more time for better due diligence on new deals? Tell us your views.

Latest numbers from CMBOR confirm the third quarter marked a high point for UK buyouts as fourth quarter figures show an 80% decline without a transaction of the scale of Alliance Boots.

Cross-border M&A trends will continue to play to Bain Capital's strengths in 2008, according to one of its managing directors.

The head of Dubai International Capital gives PEO his thoughts on the year ahead as interest in the Middle East shows little dimunition. Any slowdown he says will give time for consolidation.

As the credit crunch curtailed activity in developed markets in 2007, Central and Eastern Europe powered forwards. Advent International's regional head sees little reason to pause in 2008.

As the year draws to a close PEO's team has pulled out its crystal ball to take a view on 10 of the themes that will occupy the industry in 2008.

After keeping its powder dry in 2007, Tony Mallin's firm Star Capital Partners is looking forward to a busier 2008 as capital intensive businesses turn to private equity.

Wilken von Hodenberg, head of Germany's longest established private equity manager, is looking forward to the next 12 months, despite capital market turmoil.

Mounir Guen, chief executive of MVision, a global placement agent, joins PEO on day three of its Countdown to 2008.