Categories
DEAL OF THE YEAR (EUROPEAN REGIONS)
These categories recognise outstanding deals in a number of European regions. They are open to all types of deal, across the whole spectrum of venture capital and buyouts. To qualify, either the target business or a significant funding component must originate from within the specific region. Factors considered include the overall return of the investments, its performance relative to its sector and the operational improvement of the business. Consideration will also be given to the innovative nature of the transaction in the context of the particular marketplace. The regions are as follows:
Nordic (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark)
DACH (Germany, Switzerland and Austria)
France & Benelux (France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)
Mediterranean (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Turkey)
UK & Ireland
Emerging markets (Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Russia)
GRAND PRIX EUROPEAN DEAL AWARDS
All shortlisted deals from the Deal of the Year (European Regions) awards are automatically considered for the Grand Prix European Deal Awards. A deal that wins a European Region award does not necessarily win a Grand Prix award. Similarly, a deal that does not win a European Region award can win a Grand Prix award. The Grand Prix awards consider any investment that achieves a substantial exit between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007. Partial share sales (such as IPOs) are eligible where the investor has booked a substantial majority of the gain. While financial return has to be the most important criterion, other factors, such as strategy over the life of the investment and job creation, are also taken into account.
The Grand Prix Deal Awards are the following:
Venture Capital Deal of the Year
Mid-Market Deal of the Year
For buyouts of up to €250m.
Large Deal of the Year
For buyouts greater than €250m.
ADVISORY AWARDS
These awards recognise excellence in advisory services to the private equity industry. Nominations will be taken from EVCA member general partners.
There are three categories:
Financial Adviser of the Year
This award is for an individual adviser or a team's role on a particular deal during the period, advising private equity managers on the buy or sell side. It is judged on market awareness and creativity, particularly in relation to deal origination and structuring.
Legal Adviser of the Year
This award goes to an individual lawyer or a team with reference to a particular deal during the period. It is judged on efficiency and simplicity, as well as commercial and strategic awareness.
Debt Provider of the Year
This award is open to banks, mezzanine providers and asset-based finance houses. It acknowledges the skill of the debt provider in structuring and executing appropriate transactions.
Fund of the Year
This award is for a private equity fund that shows innovation, creativity and expertise in fundraising. The absolute quantum raised will be considered, but in a year where over-subscription has become commonplace, this award will be judged in the context of each fund offering.
European Private Equity House of the Year
This award is open to all private equity firms operating in the European marketplace and is given to the firm that has demonstrated the highest standards of performance. The judges look for all-round excellence in everything from fundraising, new investments and exits, to corporate strategy and the use of innovative investment techniques.
