3i's Bob Stefanowski shares views on deal opportunities in 2010 at Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst conference

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

3i’s Bob Stefanowski talks on focus for 2010 at Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst Outlook conference

Bob Stefanowski, 3i’s Managing Partner for North America and Asia, participated in a panel to discuss sector and investor focus for the coming year at the Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst Outlook conference yesterday.

Bob shared his views on the prospects for private equity investments over the next 18 to 24 months, ranging from growth capital and international potential and aspects of the global economy which will fuel new deal opportunities.

“International markets present strong opportunities for private equity investment in 2010, particularly China with its strong relative growth of 8.7% GDP year-on-year ,” said Bob Stefanowski, Chairman and Managing Partner for North America and Asia for 3i. “To be successful globally, investors need to foster local expertise and be sensitive to geographical differences. In Asia, where many mid-size companies seek the best partner to stimulate their international growth, investors must offer the right product such as a minority growth equity solution,  experience across US, Europe and Asia, and to demonstrate the additional value they bring as advisors,” he explained.

Another important factor for middle market dealmakers, according to Bob, relates to how the economy has increasingly globalised. Strong returns will be driven by partnering companies with global potential who can leverage growth opportunities and enhance their value in the current environment. As such, 3i’s investments in the U.S. to date have focused on US headquartered businesses seeking to internationalise further. For example, Gain Capital, owner of online foreign exchange trading platform leader, FOREX.com, generates 41% of its trading volumes outside of the U.S.  Gain benefitted from 3i’s established presence in Europe and Asia in expanding its product base overseas and launched UK and Singapore operations this year. Quintiles, a U.S.-based clinical research outsourcer benefits from 3i’s deep global healthcare experience to grow both within the U.S. and throughout Europe and Asia. 

3i North America, with its strong European and Asian contacts and track record, is well positioned as the global recovery appears, led by its focus across Asia and internationally and its expertise in minority equity investing in growing businesses (Growth Capital).