Private equity groups have been struggling to raise funds with fundraising falling to its lowest level for a decade. Buyout fundraising in Europe last year raised €11.9bn, its lowest annual total since 1997, according to data provider Preqin. However, times may be changing, Nordic Capital has now emerged as the latest buyout firm to plot a return to the fundraising market.

A source close to the situation said Nordic, which has invested about 60% of its current €4.3bn vehicle, was in the "early stages" of the fundraising process. A spokesman for Nordic declined to comment on the details.