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Take-private deals flourish; Alfar and Walter forge ambitious Canadian MSP; plus 40 under 40

Good morning, dealmakers.

MK Flynn here with the Wire.

US private equity firms increased acquisitions of UK businesses by 35 percent last year, according to new research out this morning from international law firm Mayer Brown.

It’s a trend we’ve been tracking closely at PE Hub – and it’s one of the reasons we launched PE Hub Europe last summer.

Today, we’ve got a Deep Dive into take-private deals led by US interest in UK-listed companies.

In addition, as we’ve reported previously, we’ve noticed a wave of PE firms setting up shop – or expanding their shops – in London. We’ve got another firm to add to the list.

Earlier this morning, we had an exclusive on an ambitious Canadian managed service provider deal.

And our colleagues at Private Equity International have named a dozen dealmakers to the 40 under 40: Future Leaders of Private Equity.

Corridors of Canada

PE Hub’s Obey Martin Manayiti was the first to report that Alfar Capital and Walter Capital Partners have completed the acquisition of MSP Corp – a managed service provider group  – from BDC Capital and MSP Corp co-founders Ravi Ramharak and Jason Dacosta, in a deal valued at more than $100 million.

For more details on the complex deal and answers to our questions from Ramharak, subscribers may read the full story here.

Let’s dive in

Take-private deals are back in vogue for European private equity, with US interest in UK listed companies very much the height of fashion, writes Craig McGlashan, editor of PE Hub Europe. But with many of the underlying conditions driving the trend having been in evidence for several months and the debt market still far from full strength, why the glut of deals now – and how are they being financed? And does the trend have further to run? 

PE Hub Europe spoke to senior figures across the private equity industry to find out.

To read the story, subscribe to the premium version of the Wire or call up the story on our website.

London Town

Another sign of the increasingly cross-border nature of private equity is the number of US firms setting up European offices, with local knowledge becoming ever more vital in navigating the potential complications.

Back in March, PE Hub Europe’s Nina Lindholm rounded up several PE firms that opened or expanded new offices in London. Blackstone, Thoma Bravo and One Rock Capital are among the firms strengthening their positions in London.

You can read that story here.

And this week, the trend continues with Great Point Partners, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based private investment firm that’s opening an office in London.

Rising stars

Private Equity International spotlights up-and-coming talent in the 40 under 40: Future Leaders of Private Equity list.

At PE Hub, we’re showcasing profiles of 12 featured dealmakers, including:

• Evelyne Dioh, 37, managing partner, WIC Capital

• Rajan Shah, 35, principal, L Catterton

• Aaron Sobel, 36, partner, private equity, Apollo Global Management

Check out their full profiles on our website.

That’s all for today. Tomorrow, Buyouts’ Chris Witkowsky will bring you the Wednesday Wire, and I’ll be back on Thursday.

Cheers,

MK

Read the full wire commentary on PE Hub ...

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