The volume of smaller buy-outs fell in the first quarter as venture capitalists focus on Internet start-ups, according to new figures.
The European buyout specialist and Rubicon's management team will team up again to turn around Wolseley Plc's manufacturing division.
Cinven will pay up to £136.5m (E234.5m) for the businesses, which made operating profits of £23.2m on turnover of £262m in the year ended 31 July 1999, with operating assets of approximately £86m.
A management buy-out of Alstom Automation Group was secured for £53m (E91m).
The ex-Royal Bank of Scotland employees focus on mid-market buy-outs in the UK and Ireland.
The online sportswear retailer needs $30m - and pronto - just to stay in business.
The online sportswear retailer Boo.com has failed to secure the funding needed for the company restructuring and was forced to call in for liquidators.
Industry analysts express doubts over the Phoenix consortium's ability to finance its Rover bid.
The extranet, InsideEdge, will give 3i businesses access to a global network of expertise and support.
Annual results show its aggressive tech focus is paying off.