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Corporate deal volume was high and driven by large transactions. The public equity market was volatile but remains priced near all-time heights, absorbing several large initial offerings. Private capital fundraising was concentrated among large established managers with higher allocations from institutional investors and wealth funds, but with an exit market that remains muted.

Vitabiotics was founded in 1971 by Professor Kartar Lalvani OBE. Vitabiotics has grown from a pioneering British family business into one of the world’s most recognised independent science-led nutraceutical companies. Its portfolio comprises a number of trusted brands, including Pregnacare, Perfectil, Wellman, Wellwoman, Osteocare and the Ultra range. The company exports to over 70 countries worldwide.

The Court of Appeal refused to allow the proposed class representative (“PCR”) to revive his application to bring a class action, after it was struck-out by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in August 2025 (a decision which was the first of its kind). The proposed claim alleged that PRS abused its position in the UK market for musical performing rights by imposing a royalty distribution system that favours publishers over songwriters.

The fundraise more than doubles the amount raised for Direct Lending Fund IV, which closed in August 2023 with over €6bn in total commitments. Hayfin's direct lending strategy focuses on originating and structuring senior-secured financings for mid-market and upper-mid-market companies across Europe, with a particular emphasis on capital preservation and strong underlying cash flows.

There is no single driver for this trend, but typically a combination of investors seeking: (1) enhanced returns, through access to individual credits on a reduced- or no-fee basis; (2) greater control over portfolio construction, through the ability to tilt exposure toward preferred sectors, geographies or risk profiles; and/or (3) stronger relationships with their sponsors and a better understanding of their origination, underwriting and monitoring processes.

Insights for your role Article 29 April 2026 | 1 minute read We have advised on the launch of a significant number of evergreen funds in recent years, particularly in the private credit space.

Private credit has seen significant growth in demand from borrowers and supply from investors. Although most private credit funds remain funded by institutional investors, private wealth investors represent a small but growing share of capital. They can now get exposure to private credit through publicly traded business development companies, non-traded semi-liquid funds, exchange traded funds, investment trusts, European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs) or UK Long-Term Asset Funds (LTAFs).

The casual dining and hospitality sector is navigating a period of profound upheaval, driven by macroeconomic pressures, regulatory uncertainty, and shifting consumer preferences. In this context, private equity and credit funds also face mounting distress, divergent brand fortunes, and a growing need for legal and transactional agility. In this article, we dissect recent deal flow whilst analysing the structural and legal factors shaping investment and restructuring outcomes.

Insights for your role explain the most common structures, why they are used and how they interact with managers’ existing LLP or corporate arrangements; examine the tax implications for both the selling individuals and the house; and highlight some of the due diligence issues we often see and the practical steps managers can take to address them in advance, even before an investment is likely or imminent.

Insights for your role In particular, we will focus on: why investment in real estate is becoming more attractive; the different ways of structuring investments; how to balance the interests of different stakeholders; and the opportunity for real estate credit. Presenters Real opportunities: how private capital can access real estate 5 March 2026 | 10:30 - 11:30 How can we help you? Search our lawyers and specialists by name, team or area of expertise.