Oliver Smiddy

Dubai-headquartered private equity firm Abraaj Capital is planning to expand its operations in Southeast Asia in a bid to capitalise on the region’s strong economic growth.

Jos van Gisbergen, senior strategist for alternative investments at Dutch investor Mn Services, is to leave the group at the end of May to join a rival.

Political turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa has 'stymied' economic recovery, but the region is in a strong position for future growth, according to delegates at Private Equity International's seventh Middle East Forum.

The private equity firm has partially exited its holding in Norma Group, which raised more than €386m in its IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

First Reserve Corporation, a specialist energy sector-focused buyout firm, has continued its dealmaking spree with the €670m acquisition of a European mining company.

Three private equity firms are vying with corporate players to acquire Polish telecommunications group Polkomtel, with binding offers expected to come in above the $6bn-mark in a month’s time.

Michael Kalb, senior managing director at US buyout firm Sun Capital Partners, has moved to London to head up the firm’s European arm.

Buyout group Sagard Private Equity Partners has scored a more than 6x return in French company Kiloutou after selling its controlling stake to PAI Partners.

Buyout firm Apax Partners has sealed two US acquisitions, taking the total value of its North American deals this year past $3bn.

Investors clamoured for access to Berlin-based Capital Management Partners' second turnaround fund, which has raised €175m.