The Secrets of Private Equity

Private Equity firms invest billions of pounds in UK businesses every year and they form a cornerstone of the M&A market. They invest in all industry sectors – high technology, industrial, healthcare, consumer services, financial, manufacturing and so on – and in start-ups as well as large, well established companies. Yet many business owners still view PE with suspicion and confusion.

More than 50 people attended our seminar at the County Ground, Hove, on 5 June where the secrets of Private Equity were revealed by an expert panel of speakers. Between them they were able to answer people’s doubts and queries, clarify their options and allow them to understand better how Private Equity might be able help their business.

The speakers were:

		Nik Askaroff Nik is EMC’s founder and chief executive, and one of the highest profile businessmen in the South East. He has advised on more than 100 transactions including completing six on his own behalf.
		Paul Canning Paul is Managing Director of H.I.G Europe. H.I.G is a leading global Private Equity firm with more than $9 billion of equity capital under management. The European team, led by Paul, works out of London, Hamburg, Madrid and Paris. Recent deals include Silentnight Group and Protocol Global Solutions.
		Ian Williams Ian leads the firm’s Origination and Research Team. Before joining Lyceum in 2008 he worked for Arbuthnot Securities and SG Hambros in Corporate Finance, focusing on M&A and capital markets transactions in the support services, healthcare, technology and transportation sectors.
		Chris Price Chris joined Mobeus Equity Partners in 2010. He is responsible for sourcing investment from across the UK but has a particular responsibility for the South East and Thames Valley. Chris has particular experience investing in the automotive sector and leads Mobeus’ activities in this area.
		Michael Pay Michael is a director of EMC. As part of Laird PLC’s acquisition team he completed seven transactions in 12 months, the largest being £150m. He has advised on over 50 deals either as a board member, principal or adviser.