Apax Partners, the London-based private equity firm, has abandoned its bid to take a stake in Escada AG, the embattled German fashion company. Citing deteriorating market conditions, Apax stated that the recent evolution of the stock price and the weakness of the international financial market do not give a basis for pursuing the project. Source: http://xaser.com/wp/economics/commerce/apparel-business/fashion-investing-return-of-the-strategic-investor Thoughts to share: It is a sign showing the market has no longer been advancing since mid of this year, as a consequence of "the weakness of the international financial market".... What's your company's plan for the 2009?