Should they stay or should they go? Invest Europe advises private equity on how to prepare for Brexit
The European private equity trade body Invest Europe has today released fuel for anyone in the industry considering jumping ship from the UK, in the shape of a series of materials advising the industry on how to cope with Brexit.
The webinars and paper explain how to move operations to the EU, how to make sure EU investors will still be able to put money in UK funds, and how to make sure UK fund managers can keep buying and investing in European companies.
It will also address the impact of Brexit on the European Investment Fund (EIF)’s contributions to venture capital funds. Many funds have recently complained that the EIF has stopped supporting them post-Brexit – a claim which the EIF has denied, saying it just needs to complete more due diligence.
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“With the UK’s exit from the European Union now potentially 18 months away, private equity, venture capital firms and their investors will be planning ahead,” said Michael Collins, chief executive of Invest Europe.
“These new and updated resources will help the industry adapt so it can keep raising capital, making investments and delivering strong returns.”
The series of webinars hosted by Invest Europe will aim to help fund managers who are looking to move their fund outside the UK. The first webinar today will focus on fund structures in France and Luxembourg, while the next on 19 October will look at Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland.
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Although some private equity firms might be weighing up their options, a recent survey from fund administration firm Augentius found that the UK is still the most popular jurisdiction in which to set up a fund.
However one source in the industry has told City A.M. that increasing numbers of EU nationals who work in the private equity industry are considering leaving the UK post-Brexit.
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