Andy Thomson
Despite some dark clouds on the horizon, a new S&P report predicts default rates in Europe will continue to hover around the 2% mark this year.
.jpg "Futurimpresa fund getting closer to €200m target – exclusive")
The backer of Italian SMEs is in talks with potential investors that could move the fundraising for Antares AZ I to around €160m.
Investcorp has completed the acquisition of 3i Debt Management, the former debt investment unit of 3i.
With power shifting to sponsors, lenders are finding that winning the deal often means losing control.
The Spanish fund manager is set to post a first close on €180m, with sources saying the €200m hard cap should be reached soon.
A study has found that almost three-quarters of UK and Irish SMEs are not aware of the ability to secure funding based on their turnover.
In the UK, increasing interest in liquid debt could be further boosted by retail investment once an EU directive no longer applies.
It was a record year in 2016 for German mid-cap leveraged buyouts, but debt funds saw their share of the financing fall.
Valin Funds is aiming to take advantage of an improved climate for private debt funds in Germany. Its head, Nicolaus Loos discusses the key changes the market has seen.
Rate rises, geopolitics and Brexit are expected to drive an increase in workouts and distressed opportunities in Europe.