East Capital

Stockholm-based independent asset manager East Capital Explorer has decided to close its Russian Property Fund, returning the capital back to its investors.

The Eastern European-focused alternative asset manager gave its first live online question and answer session, with senior investment executives making predictions for 2009. Last week Apax for the first time used an online video to communicate with investors.

The Central and Eastern European buyout firm is looking to reap the benefits of the growth prospects for the new member states of the European Union.

East Capital has initiated efforts to raise €300 million to €350 million for a new fund targeting Russia’s banking sector, where regulatory reforms and consumer spending are expected to propel growth.

The Russian landscape is set to alter beyond recognition and only the strongest will survive. Toby Mitchenall reports from Moscow

Stockholm based Aberdeen Property Investors has grown its indirect team, Aberdeen Property Investors Indirect Investment Management, to 28 professionals after making six senior appointments across Europe and Asia. The growth of the team marks a rebuilding period for Aberdeen after a period of recent departures.

Fund managers should keep a few things in mind as they face a surge in information requests from LPs, writes Kevin Ley.

Warburg Pincus has led the funding round into Ukraine consumer lending business IMB Group, as private equity firms step up their involvement in the country.

In Russia, what some investors view as regulatory hurdles to investing in the banking sector, others interpret as necessary precautions for a developing industry. By Judy Kuan.