Private Equity and Venture Capital: an Empirical Analysis

Abstract

The paper deals with the analysis of the private equity and venture capital investment and divestment trends and activities on the European market, particularly on the market of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), in times of economic crises 2007-2009. The analysis is based on the data published by the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA), the Czech Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (CVCA) and the Bundesverband Deutscher Kapitalbeteiligungsgesellschaften (BVK). The economic crisis in 2008-2009 caused a rapid cooling of the European market. Private equity and venture capital management companies located in Europe have decreased significantly both investment and divestment activity. The economic crisis on CEE market showed a delay and a lower intensity in comparison with Western Europe. CEE market is, however, underdeveloped. This argument is supported by the data indicating annual investment and divestment value, and number of companies received private equity financing.