Toby Lewis

Istithmar, a Dubai government-owned investment firm, reportedly plans to diversify into venture capital and debt investing as the unavailability of leverage makes larger deals more difficult.

Norton Rose, the global law firm, has opened an office in Saudi Arabia in association with Middle Eastern law firm Abdulaziz Al-Assaf combining Norton Rose’s regional corporate experience with its rival’s political exposure in the region.

Turkish mid-market buyout firm Actera has raised the largest fund in the country from investors including sovereign wealth fund GIC and Canadian pension fund Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

Abraaj Capital, the Middle Eastern firm, has recruited a senior regional investment banker as its fundraising drive continues.

CVC Capital Partners, the global buyout firm, is consulting investors for its latest fundraising effort while its chairman Michael Smith has reportedly said limited partners as long-term investors are not driven by short-term problems.

Providence Equity Partners has made the largest Western private equity investment in the Ukraine, buying a substantial stake in Volia Cable from SigmaBleyzer.

The UK mid-market firm is looking to roll out 7city Group’s business internationally and to increase its product range after backing a management buyout.

South Eastern European investment firm Marfin Investment Group has deployed much of the €5.2bn it raised from the public markets in June.

Aureos Capital has become the first recipient of capital from a $1.5 billion fund backed by the Kazakhstan government as it attempts to stimulate private equity activity in the region.

A consortium led by Virgin Group and including WL Ross has tabled a preferred bid for struggling UK bank Northern Rock. The bid provides shareholders with a way to benefit from the upside of any turnaround.