"Now everybody in the equity group wants to go down the hall and work with them."

He is also a consultant to several private equity groups.

He has worked in the firm's private equity group for the last two years, and will focus on its operations.

The company has become the target of a $1.7 billion takeover offer by a private equity group.

As we report on the front page today, 3i, the private equity group, is keen to join them.

"We ended up with strong cash flow in the equity group."

He has led the equity group since October 1990.

The company received a substantial investment from an undisclosed private equity group.

In the past, loans were made mostly to private equity groups, but they are now also being extended to big corporations.

Any negotiations are at a very early stage, and private equity groups have not yet formed teams to try to take on these giants.