Robert Venes

Exponent Private Equity, the London-based mid-market investor that closed a £400m buyout fund in August 2004, has completed its first investment.

The emerging markets-focused investment firm is targeting Central and Eastern European countries as it extends its mezzanine financing operations.

US-based energy specialist First Reserve has sold Caledonia Oil & Gas to global power and gas company E.on for £470m.

European private equity firm 3i has appointed four partners to expand its infrastructure team to seven.

The Warsaw private equity firm has entered the Slovakian retail sector with its acquisition of a stake in white and brown goods retailer NAY.

Dubai-based private equity firm Shuua Partners has held a final close of its first fund $50m above its initial target.

Nordic private equity firm Industri Kapital has sold Dyno Nobel, the Norwegian explosives company, to Macquarie, which hopes to float the business in Australia in 2006.

Paris-headquartered AXA Private Equity has followed the recent spate of private equity firms hiring in Germany with an appointment to its Frankfurt office.

The London-based UK mid-market firm has secured debt facilities from Anglo Irish Bank to recapitalise its investment in The Club Company.

The fast-growing internet start-up has proved a rare success for private equity firms investing in European technology start-ups.