Hello Hubsters, It’s Irien Joseph bringing you the Europe edition of the Wire from the London newsroom. Let’s kick things off in the world of apparel. I will feature my colleague Sophie Rose’s listicle on private equity’s growing interest in the footwear segment, covering everything from stylish kicks to everyday staples. And later in the US edition, Iris Dorbian will be unpacking the latest in the retail apparel segment, with five deals on the books. Next, we’ll step away from the consumer segment and shift to healthcare. Houlihan Lokey’s Rainer Hepberger sees promise ahead for the healthcare sector in Europe, even if the year is easing at a slower pace. I’ve also got a roundup of this week’s deals announcements in the segment across the US and Europe. We’ll finish things up with a bit of Friday flavor. Gimv has acquired a majority stake in a herbs and spices manufacturer from another private equity firm. Head over heels The footwear industry makes up a small percentage of the wider fashion sector, but it has attracted plenty of private equity interest over the last 12 months, writes PE Hub’s Sophie Rose. Be sure to check out the full listicle to find out the factors that makes the footwear industry attractive and for a rundown of all the latest deals in the sector. Look out for my colleague Iris Dorbian’s listicle later today, where she breaks down the latest moves in the retail apparel sector. Back in action The year may be off to a slow start, but healthcare activity in Europe is gaining momentum, Rainer Hepberger, managing director in Houlihan Lokey's healthcare group, told PE Hub. Read the premium version of the Wire to find out why Houlihan is optimistic about the healthcare sector. Below is a breakdown of this week’s healthcare deals in the US and Europe: Apposite-backedKelso Pharma buys ALTURiX Grovecourt Capital acquires medical tech company IMRIS ImagingHealthEdge sells medical devicecompany LifeSync Genstar Capital-backed Flourish Research snaps up Diablo Clinical Research Whistler Capital-backed AmeriPro Healthbuys Priority Medical TransportWell-seasoned Before I sign off, let’s return to the consumer segment for a tasty deal. Gimv has acquired a majority stake in The Spice Factory (TSF). Find out more details about the deal, including the seller, in the premium version of the Wire. Below are the deals we covered in the consumer sector this week: TZP Group sells soccer specialty retailer Soccer Post Gainline-backed Galaxy Universal buys Reebok’s product creation, sourcing and US footwear opsAdvent International completes Sauer Brands buyout Huda Beauty sells Kayali to General Atlanticand co-founder Mona KattanLion Capital signs new deal with Gordon Ramsay RestaurantsThat’s all from me. John R Fischer will be with you later today with the US edition and Craig McGlashan will bring you the Europe edition of the Wire on Monday. Warmly, Irien Read the full Wire commentary on PE Hub ... | 