Buyouts back in vogue as value rises 25 per cent

Private equity firms have bounced back to life this year as the value of buyout deals jumps by almost a quarter, according to new figures.

The value of deals completed in the UK has risen 23 per cent to £15.7bn, according to Ernst & Young, compared with £12.7bn last year. These included Hellman and Friedman's £1.1bn takeover of energy consultant Wood Mackenzie. Christian Marriott, partner at Equistone Partners Europe, said: "The UK buyout market has remained robust in 2012, outperforming its continental European neighbours."