Suzanne Weinstock

In a worrying sign for a major LBO deal, the semiconductor company, bought out by a constortium of private equity investors for $17.6bn two years ago, has chosen to service a portion of its debt through in-kind securities in order to preserve cash.

There are 24 private equity funds gathering capital for Brazil, raising a total of $7.5bn, including GP Investments and Stratus Group, according to a study from Ocroma Alternative Investments.

The financial services giant will lay off 5,300 employees across all business units but concentrated in investment banking. Asset management will focus on a ‘smaller number’ of activities.

The New York-based growth investor has promoted veteran associate Todd Clapp to general partner ahead of a $400m fundraise. Catalyst also recently hired the former head of Citi's distressed equity trading group Gene Wolfson.

The Paul Royalty Funds spin-out has deployed capital rapidly, making five investments to date from its $500m debut fund, which closed this past July.

The Athens Stock Exchange-listed mega-fund is the latest private equity firm to move into the aviation sector, purchasing just less than half of medical evacuation-focused Flight Ambulance International.

Sentica Partners’ third lower mid-market buyout fund is halfway to its €100m target with backing from investors, including government-owned investment company Finnish Industry Investment.

Corporate finance lawyer Jacques Demers will lead OMERS Strategic Investments, a new investment division tasked with making very large investments for the pension in 'global asset companies' including airports, real estate and energy projects.

The New York-based secondaries firm has hired Sabina Sammartino to head up due diligence in London and promoted two in Paris.

European buyout firm EQT will own 85% of KMD following the buyout from Local Government Denmark to be completed in early 2009.