Middle East & North Africa

Cipio buys Siemens’ venture portfolio(2)

Cipio Partners has acquired the majority of Siemens Venture Capital Communications in one of the largest secondary direct portfolio transactions completed in the last few years.

Carlyle bulks up MENA team in Turkey(2)

The Carlyle Group announced the firm hired an Ernst & Young veteran from the region to advise the firm’s investments within the country.

Qatar to build Sainsbury’s stake(2)

Qatar’s state investment fund is looking to build its own strategic stake in Sainsbury’s, and is not in talks with Marks & Spencer for a joint bid, as was reported at the weekend.

STAR flying high with double deal(2)

STAR Capital Partners, a UK-based fund that specialises in capital-intensive infrastructure investments, has bought and merged two flight simulator businesses as it continues to tap into the airline industry’s trend towards outsourcing.

Alex Forbes consortium raises offer(2)

The consortium buying Alexander Forbes, a South African financial services group, has increased its offer despite having agreed the deal three months ago.

Apax makes it three big exits with CBR sale(2)

Apax Partners has continued its string of recent exit successes by selling CBR, a German fashion retailer it co-owned with Cinven, to Swedish buyout firm EQT.

Applebee’s considers sale(2)

The international casual dining franchise with a $1.96bn market cap has announced it will explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.

OPIC sponsors three Jordan-related funds(2)

US investment agency Overseas Private Investment Corporation is committing $200 million to three private equity funds that will be investing in Jordan.

Egyptian-backed ProDrive in pole position for Aston Martin(2)

Naeem Capital, the investment arm of an Egyptian bank, has reportedly emerged as front-runner in the acution for the luxury car maker, backing the bid by David Richards, a motor industry veteran.

SAC hires private equity team(2)

Hedge fund behemoth SAC Capital is preparing to launch an Asia-focused private equity investment platform under the direction of three professionals who worked together at Ripplewood, according to market sources.