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James on bank merger: ‘No way’

The president of Blackstone has told Private Equity International magazine that his firm has no interest in acquiring one of the faltering Wall Street investment banks, silencing some market speculation.

Octavian adds to distressed debt team

New York asset manager Octavian Advisors has hired distressed debt specialists Arif Gangat and Oscar Mockridge as it expands its practice to take advantage of debt market turmoil.

Carlyle appoints head of PR for Americas(3)

The Carlyle Group has hired Ellen Gonda, formerly a financial communications director at PR firm Brunswick Group, to lead its public relations efforts in North and South America. It is part of a larger expansion that will double the size of Carlyle’s global communications department.

Bessemer adds to India team(4)

Bessemer Venture Partners has promoted Devesh Garg to managing director for its growing India team, four months after allocating $350 million for investments in the region.

Wood leaves CalPERS for revamped Cap Z

The pension giant’s senior investment officer for global equity has resigned to become chief executive of the recently spun-out hedge fund sponsor.

Legislator proposes $48bn tax hike for investment fund managers(3)

Charles Rangel, chair of the US Congressional committee charged with writing tax law, has proposed a bill that would substantially overhaul the US tax system and generate $48 billion in tax revenue.

Balderton hires tech vet(4)

Balderton Capital, the former European arm of Benchmark, has boosted its team with the appointment of its eighth partner.

HBoS eyes European expansion via restructuring(2)

HBoS, the UK bank, has restructured its acquisition finance and structured finance teams into one leveraged finance unit as it looks to expand its European operations.

Morgan hires Metalmark, Allianz GPs(3)

After three years at Morgan Stanley spin-out Metalmark, Eric Fry has been appointed partner at the investment bank’s new private equity arm. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley Private Equity’s London team has hired former Allianz Capital pro Michael Hehn.

The Blackstone Group opens office in Tokyo(2)

The Blackstone Group has recently opened an office in Tokyo, headed by Alan Miyasaki, who has moved from New York to spearhead the group’s real estate investment activity.