LMS Capital

A group of shareholders in London-listed private equity group LMS Capital, including its chairman Robert Rayne, have called for the business to be broken up.

The London-based evergreen investor has written up the value of its investment in Updata Infrastructure by 62.5%.

The London-listed firm, which just inked a $38m services deal, will in future focus solely on direct deals under newly installed CEO Glenn Payne.

Energy sector veteran Glenn Payne will replace Robert Rayne as CEO of the LSE-listed firm. Rayne in turn succeeds Jonathan Agnew as chairman.

David Verey is now a non-executive director for the evergreen, LSE-quoted private equity manager.

LMS scores an impressive return on its investment in an offshore crane business, which it has expanded globally.

UK-based London Merchant Securities has appointed Scott Potter to oversee the management of the firm’s US venture capital portfolio.

DrKW backs SmartPipes funding; LMS Capital invests £3m in Vio; InnovationsKapital takes stake in Corus Technologies

KKR’s recent East Resources exit – coupled with HitecVision’s specialist energy fund close this week – is further evidence that the energy sector remains active and vibrant for private equity investors.

Switzerland-listed fund Castle Private Equity has become the latest publically traded fund to bow to shareholder pressure, having announced a raft of changes ahead of a radical restructuring.

KKR’s recent East Resources exit – coupled with HitecVision’s specialist energy fund close this week – is further evidence that the energy sector remains active and vibrant for private equity investors, writes Christopher Witkowsky.

Digital Networks backs UK software business; £4m to UK technology business

Swapcom secures E7.4m second round funding; Scottish pharmaceutical group takes £15m; ABN AMRO invests in Irish software house.

The UK pharmaceutical company has received a solid £30.5m from Warburg Pincus, 3i and LMS Group.