On the financial sector radar this week: Private equity firm Carlyle focuses more on the middle market. Meanwhile, private equity firms are facing increased competitive pressure from private offices.
Insights
Decreasing dividends may be driving away investors.
Startups that are testing the waters with crowdfunding include possible leaders in game development like Virtuix. However, some VCs and entrepreneurs see some possible pitfalls alongside the benefits of equity crowdfunding.
Investor interest in the insurance industry is on the upswing.
The Middle Market wraps up nominations for Deal of the Year.
The tech sector shows signs of weakness with a high percentage of IPOs triggering downside protection.
Entertainment company SFX files for bankruptcy after over-extending itself with acquisitions.
Transactions
Health care company acquisitions include TE Connectivity’s purchase of medical device manufacturer Creganna and Stryker’s purchase of medical supplier Sage.
Kidd & Co. backs Colerain RV and buys Northside RVs.
Intel Capital aims to lead more deals and be more efficient in its investment decision-making.
Palantir became one of the top deals of 2015 with the largest venture round of any tech company in December.
Trident’s Alberto Yépez discusses his company’s strategy in the cybersecurity market.
BlackRock’s Laurence Fink warns that as many as 400 companies in the energy sector could fail if low oil prices continue.
This Day In History (Feb. 2): 1913: Grand Central Terminal opens in New York City and is visited by 150,000 people on its opening day.