This award is open to law firms active in the UK venture capital and private equity either in fund construction or transaction services which have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the past 12 months (July 2008 – June 2009). The award is based on innovation to overcome the challenges of the current marketplace and is not based on a single deal. Key criteria the judges will be looking for include efficiency of execution, sector knowledge, advisory and negotiating skills, value-adding capability, vision and the overall development of the business.

 

This award is open to all investment bankers, accountants, corporate finance houses and other specialist financial advisers involved in the asset class. The award criteria focus on creativity and market leadership in deal origination as well as skill and innovation in weathering today’s market conditions.

 

This award is open to UK-based firms across all disciplines (excluding corporate finance, lawyers and fund placement) that serve the private equity industry such as environmental, technical or market/strategic due diligence specialists. It recognizes professionalism, thought-leadership and the ability to consistently add value throughout the year. Strategic vision and the overall development of the business will also be taken into an account by the judging panel. It is not awarded for the firm’s work on one particular transaction but for the whole of the 12 months under consideration.

 

This award is open to UK-based placement firms that serve private equity houses. It recognizes professionalism, thought-leadership and now more than ever, flexibility and innovation managing LP/GP relationships. Strategic vision and the overall development of the business will also be taken into an account by the judging panel. It is not awarded for the firm’s work on one particular fund or GP but for the whole of the 12 months under consideration.

 

This award is open to banks and acknowledges the consistent skill of tailoring debt packages for private equity-backed buyouts throughout the year. The judges will be looking for the very highest standards of professionalism, flexibility and innovation. It is not awarded for the bank’s work on one particular transaction but for the whole of the 12 months under consideration. Particular attention will be paid to ability to deliver in the current climate.

 

This category is open to all types of alternative lenders (particularly subordinated debt products) and acknowledges professionalism, innovation, and the ability to consistently add value throughout the past 12 months. Strategic vision and the overall development of the business will also be taken into an account by the judging panel.

 

This category is open to all venture capital trust managers across the UK. It recognizes leadership in the VCT sector through a combination of successful fundraising, deal origination, execution, portfolio management and exits. Strategic vision and the overall development of the business will also be taken into an account by the judging panel. It is not awarded for the firm’s work on one particular transaction but for the whole of the 12 months under consideration.

 

This category is open to all venture capital firms across the UK. It recognizes leadership in the venture capital sector through a combination of successful deal origination, execution, portfolio management and exits. Strategic vision and the overall development of the business will also be taken into an account by the judging panel. It is not awarded for the firm’s work on one particular transaction but for the whole of the 12 months under consideration.

 

This award is open to all buyout houses operating in the UK smaller mid-market (EV < £50m). It recognizes clear leadership in this segment of the market through successful deal origination, execution, portfolio management and exits. Strategic vision and the overall development of the business will also be taken into an account by the judging panel. It is not awarded for the firm’s work on one particular transaction but for consistently high standards during the whole of the 12 months under consideration.

 

This award is open to all buyout houses in the UK mid-market (EV > £50). It recognizes clear leadership in this segment of the market through successful deal origination, execution, portfolio management and exits. Strategic vision and the overall development of the business will also be taken into an account by the judging panel. It is not awarded for the firm’s work on one particular transaction but for consistently high standards during the whole of the 12 months under consideration.

 

This award is presented to any UK-based GP which the judges recognize as having demonstrated the very highest levels of skill, professionalism and innovation throughout the fundraising process during the past 12 months. The judging panel will be looking at groups which have demonstrated outstanding investor relations functions, with particular focus will be attached to effective marketing as well as innovative product offerings. Large funds will not necessarily take precedence over smaller vehicles. Combined entries from placement teams and general partners will be also encouraged.

 

This award is presented to a secondaries player which the judges recognize as having demonstrated the very highest levels of skill, professionalism and innovation throughout the 12 month period. Particular focus will be attached to innovative product offerings and peer group reputation.