Private equity exits in Central and Eastern Europe achieve third highest activity on record

The European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA) today publishes its Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Statistics 2013 report, a dedicated paper into the region’s private equity activity.

2013 was a year of strong exit activity in the CEE region, the 3rd highest on record, which unlike the previous two record years, was not dominated by one or two large disposals. In addition, 88 companies were exited, the highest number in the past seven years. However, both fundraising and investment activity fell relative to 2012. Despite this, the region continues the trend seen since 2010 for a year-on-year increase in the number of companies receiving private-equity backing, which increased by 7% to 241.

EVCA Chief Executive, Dörte Höppner, said “Across Europe we are seeing strength and investor interest return to the market and, whilst the numbers in this report do not currently reflect this, the CEE region is showing some underlying encouraging and dynamic trends which we expect to continue as the region benefits from Europe’s recovery.”

The report highlights that:

• Total private equity investments into CEE amounted to €783 million in 2013, down 22% from 2012
• Exits of completed investments reached €741 million which is the third highest level recorded in CEE
• Whilst buyouts continue to provide for the majority of capital invested, growth capital investments increased by 53% since 2012 to €259 million
• Fundraising for the CEE region totaled €433 million in 2013, a decrease of 37% compared to 2012

“Despite the lower headline activity levels when compared to 2012, the CEE region showed some healthy trends in 2013 that bode well for the coming years.  We take confidence in these trends and encourage investors to view the CEE markets for their full potential” said Robert Manz, Chairman of the EVCA CEE Task Force.

Notes for Editors
This annual report has been produced by the EVCA in collaboration with the EVCA Central and Eastern Europe Task Force and PEREP_Analytics statistics unit. The EVCA would like to thank their partner, Gide Loyrette Nouel, for their sponsorship of this paper.

About the European Private Equity & Venture Capital Association

The EVCA is the voice of European private equity.

Our membership covers the full range of private equity activity, from early-stage venture capital to the largest private equity firms, investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, fund-of-funds and family offices and associate members from related professions. We represent 700 member firms and 500 affiliate members.

The EVCA shapes the future direction of the industry, while promoting it to stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, business owners and employee representatives. We explain private equity to the public and help shape public policy, so that our members can conduct their business effectively. 

The EVCA has 25 dedicated staff working in Brussels to make sure that our industry is heard.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this special paper has been produced by the EVCA, based on PEREP_Analytics data. Although the EVCA has taken suitable steps to ensure the reliability of the information presented, it cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information collected.

Therefore, the EVCA cannot accept responsibility for any decision made or action taken based upon this report or the information provided herein.