PRINT THIS PAGE

UK private equity industry shows upsurge in confidence, says BVCA

The UK private equity industry has demonstrated a renewed confidence in the business climate for investments, according to a survey produced by the British Venture Capital Association, (BVCA).

The survey shows that 57 per cent of UK private equity investors expect to increase their investment activity in the next three months and almost two-thirds expect even more improvement as we progress further into 2004. This represents a significant upturn in optimism compared to a year ago, when only 14 per cent of UK private equity investors predicted an improvement in the UK business climate.

'Private equity-backed businesses currently employ nearly three million people, or 18 per cent of the private equity workforce,' said John Mackie, chief executive, BVCA. 'It is therefore good news for not only the private equity industry but the UK economy as a whole, to see that investors are displaying such confidence. The private equity industry has come of age over the last 20 years and our survey demonstrates that it will continue to be a major British success story of political, economic and social importance to the UK, in this coming year.'

Copyright © 2004 AltAssets