European buyout firm Cognetas has decided to rebrand itself as Motion Equity Partners as it begins “writing a new page in the story of the firm”. But is rebranding enough to boost the firm’s fortunes? We profile five other private equity firms to have changed names and looks at their subsequent fortunes.

Cogentas, which is now on its third incarnation after beginning life as part of UK-listed private equity firm Electra Private Equity before spinning out in 2005, has by all accounts endured a difficult period since the departure of its managing partner and co-founder Nigel McConnell in June last year.