The improved year for private equity-backed flotations in Europe was further boosted today with the sale of another 10.21% shares in Amadeus, a deal which returned €263m to Cinven, one of its private equity owners.

Fifteen private equity-owned companies have floated on European markets this year, with the floats priced at a combined €9.5bn. This compared with just two flotations in 2009 which raised €756m and two in 2008 raising €2.5bn, according to data provider Dealogic.