Deals research organisation moves back to Nottingham

Equistone Partners Europe has announced that the Centre for Private Equity and MBO Research (CMBOR), has been re-established within Nottingham University Business School after its hiatus in 2020.

Founded in 1986, CMBOR will return to providing data and insight around European buyout activity and extend its 35-year track record as a leading academic institute devoted to the study of private equity.

CMBOR will be led by Dr Kevin Amess, associate professor in Industrial Economics at Nottingham University Business School and a former colleague of the late Professor Mike Wright, the centre’s founder.

CMBOR will continue in its previous scope of independently analysing management buy-outs and providing private equity statistics for Europe.

Equistone, a supporter of CMBOR since its inception, has signed a sponsorship agreement to fund the institute upon its return to the University of Nottingham, which was CMBOR’s original host institution in 1986.

The centre’s previous partnership with Imperial College London concluded in 2020 following the passing of Professor Wright in 2019.

Will Copeland, of Equistone, based at the firm’s Midlands office in Birmingham, said he was delighted that CMBOR was returning to its roots in the Midlands.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work with CMBOR under Kevin’s leadership as the institute returns to University of Nottingham. To have such a distinguished body based in the Midlands is excellent for the region.

“The Midlands’ office of Equistone has always enjoyed a close relationship with CMBOR with Professor Mike Wright and his colleagues speaking at our events in the region – and we welcome the continued insight CMBOR will bring to further understanding the role and impact of private equity in supporting developing businesses.”