On 14 February 2008, NYSE Euronext launched a listed private equity index. Constituents are private equity funds with a minimum market capitalisation of €300 million listed Euronext. The Private Equity index will initially be used exclusively for benchmarking purposes. However, NYSE Euronext could consider launching a tradable version at a later stage.

Traditionally private equity investments took place through non-listed funds. In recent years however, we have seen private equity companies coming to the market to gain access to capital as well as to meet investor requirements for more transparency and liquidity. A private equity index will help increase visibility of the private equity companies listed on our exchange, and is part of the “Spotlight on Private Equity” plan. It will also serve to draw new private equity funds to our markets. Additionally, it will be a tool for investors to track performance of listed PE, since listed PE gives investors the opportunity to invest in a sector which as traditionally only accessible for very large investors.

The index will be comprised of private equity companies with a listing on NYSE Euronext’s European markets. In order to be eligible these companies will have to fulfil certain requirements regarding size, liquidity and activity. The index will initially be designed as a benchmark index, but may be accompanied by a tradable index at a later stage.

1. The value of listed participations should not exceed 30% of total value. Listed participations can be held no longer that 5 years.
2. At least 2/3 of participations should be in non-listed companies. Please note that “Non-listed" also includes companies listed on non-regulated markets such as Alternext or Marché Libre.
3. The minimum market cap for eligibility is set at € 300 mio.

Newly listed PE companies are eligible for inclusion one month after listing.