Secondary private equity sales have moved a long way from the distressed affairs of yesteryear and it is now clear they can provide a win-win situation for buyer and seller. Duke Street Capital's £225m (€322m) acquisition of Accantia, the tampon and skin-care toiletries company, from ABN Amro Capital is a good example of how both parties can benefit.

Through the deal, which is expected to close soon, ABN Amro will get a good cash return on the first significant exit from its private equity portfolio. Duke Street will snare an investment where it sees further upside. John Harper, an associate director at Duke Street, said: "We felt there was still plenty of gas left in the tank and that the investment could benefit from the fresh perspective of a new private equity backer."