The Euronext affiliate of KKR has committed to the largest ever proposed buyout both as a co-investor and limited partner, contributing $500 million to the deal.

The Greenwich, Connecticut-based firm has made an agreement to buy the automobile maker’s service contract provider, Automobile Protection Corporation.

The Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation will augment its grant budget by $25m, thanks in part to its successful private equity investments.

EQT, the regional buyout firm, has bought Scandic Hotels from Hilton Hotels helping the US group reduce its debt.

Leading advisers to private equity are beginning to come out in support of the industry, following a wave of recent criticism.

The example of the AA, where buyout firm Permira has actually improved the level of disclosure since taking the company private, suggests that the latest transparency initiative may not solve the industry’s woes.

European private equity firm CVC Capital Partners has made its fourth investment in Denmark with the acquisition of health and beauty retail chain Matas.

Nikko Principal Investments has sold UK firm RoadChef to an Israeli real estate group for £375 million. Nikko had owned the motorway service station chain for nearly ten years.

Joseph Bae, head of KKR’s Asia investment team, said before a conference crowd he expects further growth in Asia’s private equity market, as larger transactions and international expansions become more commonplace.

UK private equity targets Alliance Boots and Sainsbury’s were in defiant mood as they reported their latest trading results, as they try to ignore the growing speculation about possible bids.