Ex-Axa buyout unit raises cash
ARDIAN, the private equity unit spun out of investment giant AXA, has raised €500m (£413m) to invest in small businesses across Europe.
The fundraising comprises €450m through a traditional buyout fund – the third fund raised through its Expansion brand – and a €50m pot from investors for direct co-investments.
It follows on from Expansion fund II, which raised €353m. Fund III has already spent 23 per cent of its cash on four investments.