Western Europe

3i infrastructure fund goes into oil tank storage(2)

3i said today it had already invested half of the £700 million listed infrastructure fund it raised in March, after buying a minority stake in three oil tank storage operations.

Carlyle venture arm exits semiconductor business(2)

After two years of ownership, Carlyle’s European venture arm is selling French scientific equipment maker CAMECA to US trade player AMETEK for more than €80 million. The fund, which was launched with great fanfare in 1999 to target internet investments, was forced to broaden its remit after the dotcom crash.

BVCA trebles wages to attract big hitter

The UK private equity industry’s trade body has reportedly trebled the salary on offer to its chief executive, as it attempts to bring in a heavyweight external figure with the contacts and credibility to restore its reputation.

Brooks returns to LDC

Peter Brooks is set to re-join LDC, the UK bank captive and his third firm in two years. He left Sovereign Capital, where he had been managing partner, in October 2005.

BSMB in $284m shipping deal(2)

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking will buy international petroleum transporter MC Shipping for $284 million.

GI buys Napa Valley wineries(2)

GI Partners purchased a controlling stake in St. Helena, California-based Duckhorn Wine Company, whose labels include Duckhorn, Paraduxx and Goldeneye. Wine industry sources estimate the price paid in the $250 million range.

Hunter drops out of Dobbies bidding(2)

Tesco’s offer bid for Dobbies garden centre looks likely to succeed, after Tom Hunter’s West Coast Capital pulled out of the bidding.

Carlyle bulks up financial services team

US buyout firm The Carlyle Group has expanded its financial services team with a string of high profile appointments, after closing a real estate and a European fund last week.

Bridgepoint exits Marathon with sale to De Agostini(3)

Bridgepoint exits the Marathon Group, the French TV production company, through a sale to trade buyer De Agostini. It had built up the company through a buy and build strategy over the last nine years.

FF&P homes in on OKA(3)

Fleming Family & Partners, a UK asset manager, has bought a majority stake in UK home retail business OKA for an undisclosed amount.