A patchwork Europe

Governments across the continent have responded in many different ways to the thorny issue of tax deductibility for acquisition finance transactions.

Topsy-turvy

By making loan interest tax-deductible, governments encourage companies to increase the risk of their failure.

Insolvency figures from previous recessions suggest that the amount of failed companies will be far greater this time around.

The banks may be shunning SME lending, but a host of new funding alternatives means the small buyout market has got it tougher than ever.

For those firms unable to raise fresh funds, a long and slow demise awaits.

The endless struggle between GPs and LPs over fees threatens to overlook the ultimate goal of investments.

In a response to our article on the LP model, Ian Armitage of LPEQ argues that the benefits of listed private equity are under-appreciated.

Refusing to accept that your portfolio company is struggling is the worst possible option.

Daniel Sasaki of LDC London provides an insight into current trends and gives his thoughts on the UK mid-market outlook for 2012.

Guy Semmens of Argos Soditic argues that new regulation will have a dangerously disproportionate effect on smaller firms and companies.