Jonathan Brasse

Ex-Lone Star chief assumes control of Sunderland AFC

Ellis Short, who co- founded Dallas-based Lone Star with John Grayken, has increased his ownership in English Premier League soccer team Sunderland AFC to 100 percent. The investment comes as UAE entrepreneur Sulamain Al Fahim has a bid accepted to buy rival team Portsmouth FC.

Aureos targets $120m for African healthcare fund

Aureos Capital, a private equity firm, focused on Asia, Africa and Latin America, has held a first close on a fund aimed at investing in Africa’s fledgling health sector. LPs include the IFC, The African Development Bank and The Gates Foundation.

Development banks team up for $500m Asian Infrastructure fund

The Asian Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank are aiming to invest in the infrastructure of Asian countries that it regards is 'worse than the average'.

PE firms continue picking at UK industrial company Brixton

Just weeks after selling a £70.25 million property portfolio to AEW Europe, Brixton is reportedly close to selling another £225 million portfolio to New York based Westbrook Partners.

Abraaj Capital enters talks to buy Dubai ports unit stake

MENA private equity group Abraaj Capital is reported to have entered talks with government-owned Dubai World to buy a 15% stake in its ports operator DP World. The proceeds of a sale could go towards helping Dubai World’s real estate arm, Nakheel, pay down debts.

SJ Berwin to open first Middle East office

London-based law firm SJ Berwin is planning to open an office in Dubai, the first for the firm in the Middle East.

Illinois pension fund starts FoFs strategy with $75m outlay

State Universities Retirement System of Illinois has committed $75m to AVP Partners’ fund of funds, marking the start of a new investment strategy in the sector.

MIPIM 2009: Secondary fund unit sales hit €1.1bn in 2008

The secondary real estate fund unit market has picked up over the last 12 months, accounting for €1.1bn in transactions. With a further €230m of secondary trades in the pipeline, the market is set to continue as funds face cash calls from investors.

MIPIM 2009: Middle East to provide fewer LPs

Investor sentiment is on the decline as the region suffers from a decline in petro dollar surpluses coupled with the wider global economic turmoil.

CITIC raises $400m for third China fund

Investors from Europe, US, Middle East and Japan buy in to the company’s distressed targets vision.