Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, is pursuing an $800m loan to help finance its acquisition of a stake in a prominent 50-storey office tower in Manhattan, according to a report by Reuters citing sources familiar with the matter.

Private equity firm Cinven has agreed to sell Kurt Geiger, the global footwear, handbag, and accessories brand which opened its first store on London’s Bond Street in 1963, to Steve Madden, for a reported £289m, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Apis Growth Fund I, a private equity fund managed by UK-based asset manager Apis Partners Group, is to sell its full stake in Baobab, a leading African financial services provider specialising in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Bluewater, a specialist energy private equity firm, has today signed a purchase agreement to sell Apex International Energy, a leading independent player in oil & gas exploration and production in the prolific Egyptian upstream market.

India’s private equity and venture capital sectors are positioning themselves for a surge in dealmaking activity as subdued stock market conditions push businesses away from IPOs and towards private funding, according to a report by Reuters.

Facts Global Energy, a provider of market intelligence, data, research, and analysis for the energy market, has merged with energy and chemicals research and advisory business NexantECA, following an investment from TA Associates.

Island Technology, a cybersecurity and enterprise software startup, has secured funding at a $4.5bn valuation in a round led by investment firm Coatue Management, according to a report by Bloomberg citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

Northpointe Bancshares, backed by private equity firm Castle Creek Capital, is aiming for a valuation of up to $594.8m in its upcoming initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in what will be the first UB bank IPO of the year, according to a report by Reuters.