Regulation

The largest single-purpose pension in Canada, CPPIB, has been hit by turbulence in the public equities and REITs markets. However, returns for private equity and real estate are holding steady, while infrastructure has proven the strongest asset class.

The UK asset management firm is preparing to cross the pond and has appointed Eric Nelson to spearhead sales for US alternatives.

The West and Central African buyout firm founded by Nigerian executives, was largely backed by local investors as well as CDC, the UK government fund of funds.

The California-based private equity buyout firm sees rising demand in the Asian country saying its recently formed $250m fund could eventually acquire Chinese wine producers.

Founder Stephen Schwarzman today told shareholders the market is seeing “one of the worst financial crises since the Great Depression”, but he says the “very best” investments awaited the firm.

Financial sponsors negotiating block purchases of opportunity loans from banks are being provided with discounted financing. In return for the cheap financing the selling banks are asking for more than the book price of their loans.

The debt investment arm of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is looking to buy loans related to the Alliance Boots buyout. The syndicating banks are considering providing discounted loans to back the debt sale.

The European buyout firm has gone beyond the Walker guidelines as it looks towards a global expansion into Asia and the US. These offices will be for investor relations purposes and for strengthening the portfolio.

The Dubai-based investment firm, led by Sameer Al Ansari, has bolstered its public relations team.

Al Borg Laboratory, which has 60 laboratory locations throughout Egypt, has been taken private by the UAE buyout firm.