Shape Capital

The Switzerland-listed fund of funds is selling its stakes in seven private equity funds in order to free up cash for capital calls and further fund commitments.

The New York-based firm apparently raised its target for the fund in February, shortly after receiving a $40m commitment from the New Mexico State Investment Council.

Trouble is brewing in the listed private equity sector as a Paris-based investment company tries to shake up the way a listed fund of funds is managed – and has vowed to do the same with other vehicles.

Barclays Private Equity will only spin out from its banking parent once fundraising for its fourth fund is well underway.

In this issue ? 2008-06-01 Staff Writer COMPANIES Alchemy Partners 6 Abraaj Capital 36 Actis 36,64 Advent International 8, 26 AIG 38 Alpha Associates 78&l

Barclays' private equity arm is continuing talks with its parent about a possible spin-out, though contrary to media reports, sources say investors in Barclays Private Equity funds have as yet not been involved.

The listed Permira investor has taken a number of measures to boost liquidity, including reducing by £796m its original commitment to Permira’s fourth buyout fund.

European fund of funds CAM Private Equity has created a Swiss subsidiary in Zurich, run by former shaPE Capital chief executive Benedickt Brenninkmeijer.

New York-based Wellspring Capital Management received $1bn in LP commitments for its fourth fund, a nearly 50 percent jump over its predecessor vehicle.