Bridgepoint Raises €6 Billion at New Fund’s First Close

UK-listed buyout firm Bridgepoint Group Plc has secured investor commitments of more than €6 billion ($7.1 billion) at the first close for its latest flagship fund, putting it about 80% of the way to its goal, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The firm, which is seeking to raise €7.5 billion for Bridgepoint Europe VIII, started the fundraising less than six months ago, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. The fund has seen strong demand from existing investors as well as from new investors, driven by an increased interest in European mid-market private equity, the people said.