Fundraising

US pension giant CalPERS has launched a €400 million, Europe-focussed buyout initiative, to be managed by the private equity division of Scotland-based investment manager Standard Life Investments Group.

Noble Fund Managers has held the first close of its venture debt fund.

Apollo Real Estate Advisors has hired Hollywood property pro Frank Buckley as the firm looks to bolster its operations on the West Coast.

Actis is switching tack with the launch of a global fund, aiming for a $1.25 billion global umbrella vehicle alongside four regional side-funds, the largest pool of capital in its history.

The UK's second largest pension fund the Universities Superannuation Scheme is demonstrating its appetite for alternatives with the appointment of two private equity specialists to lead its co-investment programme alongside its fund investments.

US- and Japan-focussed venture firm Globespan Capital has closed its fifth fund on $380 million.

CVC Capital Partners is ending a joint venture with Citi for its third Asian fund. CVC Asia Pacific Fund III is expected to close well above a $4 billion target.

After more than 20 years with the World Bank’s lending arm, Teresa Barger is leaving to launch her own emerging markets investment venture.

Travant Capital Partners, a Nigerian buyout firm targeting indigenous investors, is targeting a $150 million close in October.

Making a presentation before the Washington State Investment Board yesterday, KKR’s George Roberts and Johannes Huth, right,asked for a commitment to a massive new European fund and predicted a reinvigorated deal market will follow the current mega-malaise.