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Global Private Equity 2001

Investment by private equity and venture capital funds across the world halved in 2001 to $100bn, according to this report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and 3i. The global industry now has a capital overhang of $180bn.

North America was the worst affected, with a fall of 57 per cent in investment. Western Europe fared marginally better, with a fall of 33 per cent. Buy-out activity increased and technology investment decreased, although the technology sector did still account for more than half of all worldwide investment.

The news appears unremittingly gloomy for investors in Western Europe and the US, but there were some grounds for optimism in the news that China, Australia, India, Spain and Denmark all experienced growth in private equity investment in 2001.

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3i brings together capital, knowledge, inspiration and connections for the creation and development of fast growing, successful independent businesses. Their main activity is investing in start-up companies, established growing businesses, management buy-outs, management buy-ins and share purchases. www.3i.com

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Copyright © 2002 PricewaterhouseCoopers and 3i