Jennifer Harris

Agricultural Bank of China to manage $75m PE fund

One of mainland China’s four major banks will enter the private equity industry, providing fund management services for a new state-backed fund.

Frontier closes first institutional fund on $115m(2)

Frontier Capital has brought in institutional investors for its second fund, which at $115 million is more than twice the size of the firm’s first vehicle.

Thoma Cressey Bravo to split(4)

Thoma Cressey Bravo will divide its investment team in two for its next round of fundraising. Bryan Cressey will raise and manage a healthcare-focussed fund, and Carl Thoma and Orlando Bravo will raise and manage a software-focussed fund.

Darby hires former Electra MD

The private equity arm of Franklin Templeton Investments has brought in Diane Smith to lead a dramatic expansion of its Latin American mezzanine business.

Hicks’ SPAC starts trading(3)

The post-IPO lock-up for shares of Tom Hicks’ special purpose acquisition vehicle ended today. Units of one share of common stock and one warrant traded up 2 cents today from the $10 per share offer price.

Marwit buys boot maker(2)

Marwit Capital Partners has acquired Boot Barn for an undisclosed amount, making it the US second private equity firm to invest in a western apparel retailer this year.

Ohio pension allocate 5 percent to PE(3)

The Ohio Public Employees' Retirement System will revamp its Health Care Fund to include a 5 percent allocation to private equity, a new asset class for the fund.

Sigma closes eighth VC fund on $500m(4)

Venture firm Sigma Partners will not make any major changes in its early-stage strategy for its latest, $500 million fund.

Guggenheim Aviation closes second fund on $737m(4)

Guggenheim Aviation Partners has closed its second fund on $737 million, more than twice the size of its 2005 debut vehicle.

Third Rock closes debut fund on $378m(4)

Newly formed venture firm Third Rock Ventures will use its first fund for investments in early stage biotechnology companies.