Yvette Choo

New Silk Route has invested INR1.35bn in K S Oils, while existing investors Citigroup Venture Capital International and Baring Private Equity Asia will each invest INR490m. The company says it is India's largest processor of mustard seeds.

The acquisition of Close Brothers Corporate Finance by the European subsidiary of Japanese investment bank Daiwa Securities SMBC will give the bank access to and presence in European markets.

The fund will reportedly invest in distressed shipping assets and provide expansion capital to shipping companies.

Debt and declining consumer demand has sent Australia's Riviera Group into receivership. It marks the second private equity-backed yacht investment to sink in 2009, the first having been Candover- and Permira-backed Ferretti in February.

The sister company of US bank Etech Securities and the Chinese municipality plan to raise the capital from overseas and domestic investors.

Following the close of its debut special situations fund on under $200m last October, the Abraaj spin-out is expanding its business lines.

The investment in the MENA-focused private equity firm’s debut institutional fund will be used to help companies in the region develop beyond their local markets.

Gavin Wilson, a London-based Goldman Sachs executive, has been named IFC Asset Management Company’s first chief executive officer.

Nader Sultan will help the global private equity firm source energy deals in the MENA region.

The Singapore-based mooring business is backed by London-listed private equity firm 3i and is expected to fetch up to S$300m. 3i invested in Franklin in 2007 with a view to list the company on the Singapore Stock Exchange.