Private equity happenings worldwide

Just some interesting stuff going on...

"Recent reports indicate that the primary trade group for private-equity firms spent more than $740,000 lobbying against tax increases in the first quarter of 2008. The Private Equity Council, which includes Blackstone Group, Bain Capital Partners, Carlyle Group and TPG Capital, spent a total of $2.1 million in 2007."

"A newly proposed Dutch law threatens to increase taxes on private equity from 1.2% to 52%. This has investors in the Netherlands threatening to leave. The Dutch government proposed the new law last month."

"Apollo Management LP founder Leon Black is being sued for more than $3 billion over his attempt to ditch the takeover of Huntsman Corp. The chemical maker filed claims accusing Black and co-founder Joshua Harris of fraudulent interference."

1.2% to 52%! $3 billion! Can you imagine? Private equity is definitely one of the more dramatic asset classes, I'd say. Anyway, I'm done with my nerdy business release of the day. =)