This note describes what Private Equity Funds do, who they are and the conflicting claims as to whether they are a force for good or harm in the world of business.
Private Equity Funds (349 KB , PDF)
In about 2007, Private equity funds (PEFs) went from being shadowy institutions about whom the general public and mainstream press either knew very little or cared less, to high profile organisations under intense political and media scrutiny, much of it accusatory and negative in tone. If one factor can be ascribed to this turnaround it is a campaign by one of the major trade unions in the UK highlighting what it sees as ‘asset stripping’ behaviour by such groups. PEFs were initially unprepared for their new found ‘celebrity’ status. When they did eventually respond it was with a combination of vigorous defence of past activities and their economic achievements, plus an acknowledgement that certain corporate governance reforms were overdue and the start of an action plan to remedy these perceived weaknesses.
Private Equity Funds (349 KB , PDF)
In response to Russian military action in Ukraine, Western allies and other partners across the globe have imposed an unprecedented package of coordinated sanctions against Russia. What has been announced and are further measures likely? This briefing paper should be taken as correct at the time of writing.
An overview of policy relating to the closure of bank and building society branches and to efforts to protect access to cash.
Household debt: Data on the latest household debt statistics, including net lending, mortgage interest rates and insolvencies.
