The Blackstone Group's only Germany-based representative is to head a new committee to better promote the country's private equity activity in response to pressure from unions, governments and the media, pre-empting similar moves expected from venture capital associations in the UK and Europe.

Ten members of the BVK, the German private equity and venture capital association, have formed the committee under Hans Ostmeier, non-executive senior managing director for Blackstone. The other members are Allianz Capital Partners, Apax Partners, Advent International, Bain Capital, BC Partners, CVC Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Permira and TPG Capital.