Jo Nash

UK fund-of-funds CDC has invested R100 million in Vantage Mezzanine Fund, the first mezzanine fund to be raised in South Africa. The fund is expected to close this August on about R600 million.

Bridgepoint has bought UK retailer Fat Face from Advent International for £360 million, and the educational business of Wolters Kluwer for €728 million. The investments are the firm’s second and third of 2007.

US and UK buyout firm Hellman & Friedman has bought Kronos, a provider of human capital management solutions, in a deal valued at about $1.8 billion.

SGAM Alternative Investments has held a first close of its North Africa fund on €100m, halfway towards its target size of €200m.

European mezzanine and private equity firm Mezzanine Management has held a first close on its second central and eastern European fund, Accession Mezzanine Capital II, at €100m.

UK-based Amadeus Capital Partners has overcome a difficult fundraising climate for European venture firms by closing a $310m fund, slightly above its original target.

3i-backed AviaPartner has bought cargo-handling company Aero Groundservices from Dutch shareholder VCK Holding. The deal is part of 3i’s growth strategy for the company that it bought in 2005.

European private equity firm Bridgepoint has made its second German investment of 2007 and has sold one of its portfolio companies.

UK mid-market firm Bowmark Capital has completed its fourth deal in the schools travel sector with the acquisition of Kuoni Travel’s School and Student Tours business for an undisclosed amount.

Baird Capital Partners Europe has led the buyout of Amoena, a manufacturer of breast prostheses, bras and swimwear for women who have had breast cancer surgery. The private equity firm bought the company for €102.25m ($135m) from Coloplast, a Danish medical company.