AnaCap promotes two as fund close looms

UK-based AnaCap Financial Partners has promoted Michael Edwards and Amber Hilkene to partners within their current roles as chief operating officer and head of investor relations and communications, according to a statement from the firm.

Hilkene joined AnaCap as its fifth member in 2006 shortly ahead of the final closing of its €300 million debut fund. She drives the firm’s investor relations, fundraising and public relations activities, and had led the development of relationships with global institutional investors, the firm said in the statement.

Edwards joined AnaCap in 2007 and is responsible for overseeing and managing the operations and investment process.

“As we continue to grow as a firm, it’s fantastic to bring into the partnership two individuals who have been so dedicated to the firm for so long,” AnaCap co-managing partner Joe Giannamore said in the statement. “Expanding the partnership gives us a broader base to develop the business in a robust manner.”

The promotions come as the European financial services specialist continues to amass capital for its third fund, which is targeting €900 million. AnaCap Financial Partners III came to market at the beginning of 2014, held a first close on €500 million in June 2014 and held a further interim close on €700 million this summer, according to reports.

Placement agent Asante Capital is understood to be helping the firm with the fundraise.

In May AnaCap agreed to acquire Polish retail and SME bank FM Bank for an undisclosed sum after its previous owner, Polish private equity firm Abris Capital Partners, was forced to sell following a ruling by Poland’s financial watchdog KNF. Abris merged two banks to create FM Bank and, according to the KNF ruling, failed to meet its commitments as an investor by failing to consult with the regulator on the choice of the chief executive for the new bank, as reported by Private Equity International.