Western Europe

Pacific Equity Partners acquires US stock transfer agent

The Sydney-based private equity firm has paid an estimated $1bn for a majority interest in American Stock Transfer as it looks to build its global share registry business.

CDC commits $650m to Actis funds

The emerging markets fund of funds has made its second large commitment to Actis' funds this year, investing in the firm’s global private equity fundraising attempts. In January it invested nearly $1bn in the firm’s latest infrastructure fund.

Portuguese government backs fund of funds

The €111.3m fund, backed by the EU and the Portuguese government, aims to build Portugal’s private equity and venture industries in support of small and medium sized enterprises.

Ontario Teachers’ taps former US Airways CEO as first advisor

Airline industry veteran Rakesh Gangwal will advise the pension’s private equity arm on tech and business service deals amid its push into infrastructure.

Headway snaps up six Viveris portfolio companies

The Coller Capital spin-out has purchased six minority stakes in biotech and tech companies via its recently closed €150m secondaries fund.

Denham Capital closes global energy fund on $2bn

The Boston-based commodities specialist has hit the hard-cap on its first independently raised fund since spinning out of collapsed hedge fund Sowood Capital last year.

BS sells stake to Gruppo Banca Leonardo, launches €600m fund

The Italian private equity firm has secured a backer as it embarks on fundraising following a succession of exits ahead of the launch. The Italian bank has an option to acquire BS.

Blackstone to open Beijing office

The Blackstone Group is poised to add to its Asian office network with a branch in Beijing, the political and administrative seat of the Chinese government.

Electra raises £100m for mid-market buyouts

Electra Partners has raised £100m to deploy alongside the capital of its main client, Electra Private Equity plc, as the latter returns to fully-blown private equity investment.

MTI reorganises to continue fundraising

The UK venture firm has changed its management structure to help it raise another materials science and medical technology fund. It will be the firm’s second fundraising this year.