Damon Buffini

The emerging new face of private equity in the UK

The name may mean little but in the investment revolution, he is the most important person you’ve probably never heard of. Based on the views of many financial observers, he is the most powerful British of any colour or creed that you have never heard of. He works in the city, and looks like any normal member of the pin-striped professional

Aged 44, Mr Damon Buffini is the managing partner of Permira, Europe's biggest private-equity firm. The London-based equity firm focuses on supporting management in businesses that are either under performing, or not fulfilling their potential, in other words buys companies with cash and borrowed funds, changes the way they do business and then sells them on for a vast profit.

Under Mr Buffini’s leadership, Permira has established itself as a leader among the 4,000 private-equity firms worldwide. Alongside Apax and CVC, it is one of London’s Big Three. Permira’s portfolio of high-profile acquisitions includes household names as the AA, New Look, Homebase and Bird's Eye.

The latest conquest is the acquisition of Valentino, one of the most prestigious luxury fashion houses in the world, ruled by the Marzotto family. The private equity group became the largest shareholder in Valentino, famous for its gowns but derives 76 per cent of revenues from a 51 per cent holding in Hugo Boss, the German menswear brand.


Mr Buffini was born and brought up in Leicester to an English mother and black American serviceman father, he attended grammar school, then to St. John’s College to study law. Graduated in 1984, and became a management consultant, before winning a scholarship to Harvard Business School. After graduating he returned to Britain to take up a job at Schroder Ventures. He rose through ranks and got his opportunity in 2001, when the investment-banking parent of Schroder Ventures sold off its private-equity operation to a management group led by Buffini, and later renamed Permira.

He is perhaps one of the 100 men who most influence how capital gets allocated in the City, and the future of the City rich list. His personal fortune is about £100m and is a staggering power and influence in Britain.

Mr Damon Buffini is certainly the ultimate role model for what is possible in Britain with hard work and talent.

Meanwhile, let’s watch Mr Buffini highten Valentino!

Watch Velentino's Haute Couture Spring 2007

For more on Permira, visit www.permira.com