Firms run by private equity companies have been more productive in the recession. The claims by the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) were based on results from a portfolio of 47 major companies including Alliance Boots, New Look, Travelodge and CenterParcs. Based on results for 2008 and the year to March 2009, the firms' average productivity reached 7.7%, "significantly in excess" of the average 1% UK rate during the same period. The association's second annual report, which comes under new transparency rules for the buyout sector, said average annual profit growth was 11%, although employment levels fell after acquisitions were taken into account.
BVCA chief executive Simon Walker said the figures were "promising" given the bleak conditions. But he added: "While the profit and productivity growth figures are testament to private equity's focus on portfolio management through the recession, the economic outlook remains uncertain.
"Private equity-owned companies are not immune from the continuing recessionary pressures."