Q2 2010, The Barometer

Preliminary figures in the Q2 2010 Unquote Barometer, published by unquote” and sponsored by Candover, show that the European buyout market has gained momentum during the year to date, with deal values quadrupling to €20.7bn in H1 2010, from €5.3bn in H1 2009. Quarterly values increased to €11.2bn. 

Once again the mid-market  - deals worth between €100m and €1bn – has led the charge, with 32 deals completing (up 68% from Q1) with a value of €8.2bn. The mid-market accounted for just short of 75% of the total buyout market. Large deals by contrast were still thin on the ground, with only one €1bn transaction completing during the quarter.

The market appears to be opening up and providing a competitive environment for new deals. This will have a knock on effect on exit opportunities – secondary buyouts increased by 50% during Q2 - which combined with potential IPO windows, will further unlock the market as the recovery sets in.

The unquote” Barometer is published by Incisive Media and sponsored by Candover. It is a comprehensive review of the state of the private equity market across Europe