Morning all, Craig McGlashan here with the Europe Wire from the London newsroom.
Celebrities are increasingly joining the private equity industry – be it reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian co-founding SKKY Partners with Carlyle alumnus Jay Sammons or RedBird Capital Partners tapping Swedish soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovićas an operating partner.
But the activity is flowing the other way too. This morning, we take a deep dive into private equity’s interest in live entertainment – why it’s attracting so much attention and where the sector is going next.
Next, we report that Tikehau Capital has appointed Emmanuel Laillier as chief investment officer of private equity. We’ve got the rationale behind the move, as well as some of the names in a new six-member leadership team.
We then take a look at consulting firm BRG’s M&A Disputes Report 2025, before finishing with news that a consortium comprising CVC, Nordic Capital and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is close to finalizing its take-private of UK digital wealth management company Hargreaves Lansdown.
Going live
Just a few years ago, the theaters of Madrid were gathering dust as covid-19 lockdowns brought the curtain down on the live entertainment industry. But in a second-act twist, companies like Som Produce are drawing record crowds – and not just from punters, but from private equity firms looking to tap into the growth and the new opportunities technology is bringing to the sector, writes Sophie Rose.
Read the premium version of the Wire to learn about what's attracting private equity firms to companies like Som Produce, and where the sector is set to go next.
Reorganization
Tikehau Capital has appointed Emmanuel Laillier as chief investment officer of private equity as part of an effort to adapt its private equity governance structure to fit with international best practices, PE Hub understands.
The firm has also created a new six-member leadership team. Read the premium version of the Wire to learn the names.
Disputes
It’s been a year of mixed news for private equity dealmaking so far. On the one hand, the new US administration was expected to have a lighter approach to regulation, likely boosting deals, while on the other, uncertainty over tariff plans was likely holding up activity.
But another obstacle this year might be an increase in M&A disputes, according to consulting firm BRG’s M&A Disputes Report 2025, released yesterday.
Read some highlights of the report in the premium version of the Wire.
Court approval
Moving on to a deal that has cleared some of those hurdles.
A consortium comprising CVC, Nordic Capital and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is near the finish line on its £5.4 billion ($7.0 billion; €6.4 billion) takeover of UK digital wealth management company Hargreaves Lansdown, after a court sanctioned the deal yesterday.
Read about the history of the deal in the premium version of the Wire.
Right, that’s everything from me today. Rafael Canton will bring you the US Wire later today and Nina Lindholm is on Europe duty tomorrow.
Cheers,
Craig
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