Marek Gumienny, managing director of European private equity group Candover, has said Europe could see its first €20bn ($24.3bn) buyout this year. The current record is €12.6bn.

Gumienny said: "The clearest trend [last year] has been the continuing shift towards a greater number of larger deals and fewer smaller deals. 2006 looks equally buoyant for buyouts, with new records for deal sizes. Europe's first €20bn buyout must be on the cards."