| Good morning, Nina Lindholm here with the Europe Wire from the London newsroom. The fragmented nature of the accounting sector has led to a steady stream of deals involving accounting businesses. We have a fresh one this morning, with AnaCap agreeing to take a majority stake in a Dutch accountancy services provider. Next, we explore what potentially easing UK mortgage rules might mean for private equity dealmaking, as Elliot Reader, a senior vice president in Houlihan Lokey’s fintech group, tells us his thoughts on the matter. We’ll finish with a call for nominations for Buyouts and PE Hub’s annual Women in Private Equity feature. First of many AnaCap has just made its first deal in the Netherlands, as it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in DK Accountants & Adviseurs, an accountancy services provider. For more on the deal, check out the full Wire coverage here. Knock-on effect UK regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced on Friday it will investigate ways to simplify mortgage rules brought in following the 2008 financial crisis. The potential loosening of rules isn’t just good news for those looking to buy a home. The change could make the UK housing market more attractive to investors by increasing lending and facilitating more transactions, according to Elliot Reader, senior vice president in Houlihan Lokey’s fintech group. For Reader's full commentary, take a look at the premium Wire coverage here. Women in PE Buyouts and PE Hub are pleased to fire up the nominations process for our annual Women in Private Equity feature, which will run in Buyouts’ April issue and on the Buyouts and PE Hub websites. This year, we’re calling for recommendations of women that you believe have excelled as leaders, innovated, executed on novel strategic visions or otherwise pushed the industry’s boundaries, giving us the market we have today, and shaping the market we’ll have tomorrow. Nominations should include short bios of the candidate that include accomplishments both in their professional career as well as a snapshot of activities outside of work. Tell us why you think they stand out in the industry. Please note that candidates may recommend themselves. If you know anyone who you think should be considered – no matter the industry role – please enter your recommendation here by February 14. You can check out past coverage here. That’s all from me this morning. Please note that there will be no US edition of the Wire today, as the New York office is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. Tomorrow, Craig McGlashan is on Europe Wire duty and Obey Martin Manayiti will write the US edition. Cheer,
Nina Read the full Wire commentary on PE Hub ... | 