Paris-listed buyout group Wendel is set to launch Europe's biggest private equity-backed flotation this year, having confirmed plans for a listing of certification group Bureau Veritas that could raise up to €1.2bn ($1.7bn).

Sister publication Private Equity News reported yesterday that Wendel would list the company within weeks. Wendel said in a statement this morning that it will float the company on October 24, with book-building commencing two days beforehand.