Amanda Janis

ISIS closes first independent fund on £238.5m(2)

The UK mid-market firm has closed its fourth fund above its initial £200 million target. It’s the firm’s first independent vehicle since spinning out of F&C Asset Management in 2005.

TPG goes hostile with Sumitomo on semiconductor bid

Sumitomo Heavy Industries and TPG have gone public with their $544 million offer to purchase Axcelis following 18 months of failed attempts to negotiate a buyout of the semiconductor company.

Report: BlackRock founder offered top spot at Merrill(4)

Laurence Fink, former Blackstone partner and founder of publicly traded investment firm BlackRock, has reportedly been offered the chief executive position at Merrill Lynch. Fink is also said to be a candidate for the same job at Citi, as both US banks seek to replace CEOs in the wake of multibillion dollar write-downs.

Global holds $500m first close on MENA fund(2)

Global Capital Management, a subsidiary of Kuwaiti investment bank Global Investment House, has held a first close on its MENA fund with more than $500 million in commitments.

HIG Europe hires CDC’s Boyadjian

Olivier Boyadjian, former head of investments for French buyout firm CDC Capital, will now lead HIG Europe’s Paris office.

Mid-East, South Asia distressed fund raises $120m(4)

Dubai-based distressed specialist HBG Holdings has held a second close on $120 million for its Middle East and South Asia-focussed fund. It is expected to close this year with commitments ‘north of $200 million’, more than double its initial target.

Report: Askar Capital launches $500m Indian fund(2)

Weeks after opening a Romanian office and co-launching a €150m fund of funds, the Icelandic investment bank has reportedly said it will partner with Nikhil Gandhi’s Sea King Infrastructure on a $500 million private equity fund.

State Street launches Private Equity Index(3)

The financial services provider has launched a private equity index based on quarterly statistics from public and private pensions, endowments and foundations.

Morgan chosen as top Daewoo bidder

Nearly a year after Ripplewood’s $740 million deal for Daewoo fell apart, Morgan Stanley appears headed toward an agreement to buy the Korean electronics company.

Mid-East, South Asia distressed fund raises $120m(3)

Dubai-based distressed specialist HBG Holdings has held a second close on $120 million for its Middle East and South Asia-focussed fund. It is expected to close this year with commitments ‘north of $200 million’, more than double its initial target.