Fundraising

Advent International was established in 1984 and since then has invested in more than 500 companies in 35 countries across Western and Central Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Since inception, the firm has raised more than $6 billion in capital and closed its most recent global buyout fund in April this year with commitments of €2.5 billion ($3.3 billion). Tom Lauer came on board in 1987 with no experience in private equity. He has overseen the financial dimension of Advent's transition from a small venture firm to today's global, multi-fund manager that boasts over 100 investment professionals of 19 nationalities in 14 offices and 13 countries. With responsibility for the financial management of the firm's worldwide operations and a member of Advent's Executive Committee, he describes the highs and lows, challenges and opportunities that have marked his almost two decades as a CFO in private equity.

A GP's departure from a private equity firm isn't as simple as handing in a letter of resignation – carry, non-compete and track record issues can often become sticking points when it's time to move on. By Art Janik, Associate Editor

Following an internal reorganization, OMERS Capital Partners is going forward with a C$4 billion mandate that emphasizes the cooperation between its direct investing and fund investing sides By Art Janik, Associate Editor

Managing a private equity firm's contacts means more than keeping track of names and phone numbers. These days, contact management systems span deal flow tracking, portfolio management and investor relations. By Art Janik, Associate Editor

BY OFFERING FUNDS FOR NEW DRUG RESEARCH, THE US FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS ALLOWING VENTURE CAPITALISTS TO EMBRACE MORE RISK

In search of ‘franchise value’ at the private equity firm. By Chip Hughes

UBIQUITOUS PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM 3I IS SEEING LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE – AS A FUND INVESTOR