Oliver Smiddy

Blackstone has acquired European leveraged loan manager Harbourmaster, which advises on €8bn of loans and infrastructure debt. Earlier this year, Harbourmaster hired a new infrastructure team to focus on opportunities in the space.

The dramatic increase in exit activity last year in both the North American and European markets illustrates private equity’s ability to weather economic storms, according to Ernst & Young.

Private equity interest in the shipping and port logistics sector is on the rise, with a raft of recent deals suggesting firms are increasingly drawn to infrastructure-related assets.

MENA heavyweights Citadel Capital and Abraaj Capital failed to agree a deal which was expected to result in Egypt-listed Citadel selling a stake to its Dubai-based peer.

Mid Europa Partners has underscored the growing importance of Turkey as a market for private equity with its first deal in the country, ahead of an intended office opening in Istanbul.

Listed Egyptian private equity group Citadel Capital moved a step closer to selling a stake in itself on Tuesday, appointing Citigroup to advise on strategic options.

Private equity group Helios, co-led by Tope Lawani, has closed its latest fund on $900m after two years in the market. It is understood to be the biggest fund raised for Africa.

The UK-listed investment group is to raise a second India-focused infrastructure fund, with a target of $1.5bn. The plan had been previously reported by a number of media sources, but was officially confirmed in a call today by Michael Queen, 3i chief executive.

Jos van Gisbergen, who managed Mn Services' €3.25bn infrastructure and private equity allocation, is to leave the group at the end of May to join a rival who plans on investing more in both asset classes.