Suzanne Weinstock

The state pension has approved 11 commitments including $675m across seven private equity funds.

The US-focussed venture firm has closed its third fund targeting energy and power, advanced materials and process and prevention technologies.

Verizon Wireless has agreed to purchase the telecom company less than a year after it was taken private for $27.5bn.

Daniel Celentano has joined the boutique investment bank and mid-market private equity firm as senior managing director.

The private equity arm of the fallen investment bank is ‘working aggressively’ to set up independent operations.

Investment bank Barclays Capital has provided a ‘substantial’ anchor commitment for the credit-oriented vehicle which will focus on the North American primary issue market.

The Service Employees International Union is organising simultaneous protests in 100 cities across 25 countries as part of its ongoing campaign against the private equity industry.

A group of private equity investors has committed to backing the launch of Sixth Gear Solutions, with an initial capitalisation of $1bn.

The German buyout firm has agreed to sell its majority stake in ersol Solar Energy, netting €14m for investor HarbourVest Global Private Equity Trust.

The buyout firm, which began winding down its portfolio in 2004, may sell one of its last remaining portfolio companies for more than double its initial investment.