After years in the doldrums, European private equity fundraising sprang to life in 2013 and this year looks set to be a strong one for many firms attempting to raise capital.

By December 10, 155 funds had raised €73.8 billion, more than the whole of 2012, when 210 funds raised €73.3 billion, and the best year since the financial crisis, according to data provider Preqin.