Robert Venes

Following the collapse of a lower offer from business software group Sage, HgCapital has made a NOK4.32bn bid for Norwegian accounting software business Visma.

The Middle East and Northern African private equity house has promoted vice president Shirish Saraf to managing director.

London-based West Private Equity is to change its name to Lyceum Capital following WestLB’s sale of its commitments in the firm’s debut fund to AlpInvest Partners and AXA Private Equity.

Kuwaiti investment bank Global Investment House has launched its second vehicle aimed at pre-IPO and IPO opportunities in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.

European buyout firm Duke Street Capital has realised its 70 percent stake in Marie Brizard & Roger International through a €213m sale to drinks distributor Belvedere.

The Frankfurt-based investor has acquired a majority stake in metal fasteners manufacturer Mecanindus-Vogelsang Group.

The London- and Manchester-based private equity firm has added to its London operations with the hire of Tom Wrenn, formerly of Close Brothers Corporate Finance.

Spanish-based private equity firm GED Capital Development will receive up to €20m from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for its second vehicle.

The fund of funds arm of Germany’s Allianz Group has held a €750m third close of its debut vehicle, APEP Dachfonds & Co - with a final closing to come later this year.

The global private equity firm has exited its investment in fruit juice and soft drink business Refresco 18 months after acquiring it from a private equity consortium.