The rate of European public-to-private transactions has doubled in the past six months as the pattern of private equity firms buying quoted companies resumes its former rhythm.

Data provided by Mergermarket, the research firm, shows the number of public-to-privates announced by trade and private equity buyers has increased to an average of five a month in the past six months, up from two a month in the six months before (see chart). The pace looks set to continue through September, with Silk Industries, a UK fabric producer, recommending a deal and two other UK public companies – New Look, a fashion retailer, and AutoLogic, a car transporter – announcing they had been approached by private equity firms.