James Taylor

Sandra Robertson, previously a senior investment professional at the Wellcome Trust, has been appointed as the first Chief Investment Officer of Oxford University. Oxford wants to utilise her experience in alternative asset investing to boost returns.

UK firm ISIS Equity Partners has backed a management buyout of Williams Medical Supplies, which distributes drugs and equipment to primary care doctors. It plans to double the business’s turnover to more than £100 million within five years.

Cerberus has joined the race to buy BCE, a $29 billion Canadian telecoms giant currently undergoing a strategic review, as the country’s biggest pension funds scramble for some involvement in the deal.

German mid-market investor Auctus has made its first move into the chemicals industry, buying German company Abieta for an undisclosed sum.

Three private equity firms will raise up to $1 billion by cashing in their shares in US car rental company Hertz, while retaining a majority stake. It is the third time they have taken money out of the business.

CORECAP, a Qatar-based alternative asset manager and advisor, has launched its debut private equity fund. The $150 million Shariah-compliant fund will look to take advantage of the growing popularity of Islamic private equity.

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan has continued its recent flurry of deal-making, buying two Chilean water supply and sanitation companies from Southern Cross Group.

Advent International is expanding its horizons further east, with a Ukraine office planned for September to supplement its existing network.

US buyout firm Great Hill has taken an undisclosed stake in a US consulting business, amid growing demand for business and financial advisory services.

Greek investment group Marfin wants to raise over €5 billion via a rights issue for investments in South East Europe – and then put the entire sum to work within just 12 months.