Equistone and Nottingham University Business School re-establish CMBOR, the Centre for Private Equity and MBO Research

Equistone Partners Europe (“Equistone”) is pleased to announce that CMBOR, the Centre for Private Equity and MBO Research, has been re-established within Nottingham University Business School, after its hiatus in 2020. Founded in 1986, CMBOR will return to providing comprehensive 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 in a comprehensive and objective way.

Equistone, a supporter of CMBOR since its inception, has signed a new exclusive 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 H2 2020 following the passing of Professor Mike Wright in 2019. Mike, a dearly valued friend and colleague, established CMBOR and led it to receive global recognition as a leading provider of buyout data in Europe. In finding an alternative host institution and securing funding for CMBOR, this agreement lays the foundation for the institute to resume its industry-renowned research and to continue Mike’s legacy. 

Having previously worked with Mike and shared his passion for management buyout research, Dr Kevin Amess was the natural fit to lead the relaunched institute. As well as being CMBOR’s original home, Nottingham University Business School today boasts a strong record of high-quality research and a prestigious reputation in management and finance.

“We are excited to have Kevin and the University of Nottingham on board to bring back this longstanding research, providing in-depth analysis and insight on European buyout markets,” said Christiian Marriott, Partner and Head of Investor Relations at Equistone. “Kevin’s expertise and enthusiasm will ensure that CMBOR remains a widely respected source of data on private equity deal activity. We are proud to resume our sponsorship of what is a trusted and highly valued resource for the industry.”

“I am delighted that CMBOR is returning to its home under the leadership of Dr Kevin Amess and with the sponsorship of Equistone,” said Professor Duncan Angwin, Dean of Nottingham University Business School. “CMBOR has long shown how excellent research and analysis has real impact on industry and it will continue to illuminate and inform fundamental changes in financial and business landscapes.”

“I have long admired the quality and longevity of CMBOR research, having been involved with the centre for a number of years. I am delighted to be leading the programme into the future,” said Dr Amess. “Having researched private equity and leveraged buyouts, I recognise the value of sourcing and analysing data of this kind, which is rare in private markets. Private equity is facing a transformed post-pandemic landscape and we’re excited to shed light on the fundamental shifts that have taken place over the past year, as well as the emerging trends that will shape the future of the industry.”

CMBOR will issue its next half-yearly analysis of data on European buyout activity in June 2021.