After several successful investments in start-up companies, Marshall of Cambridge has formed Martlet, a corporate angel initiative headed up by investment director Peter Cowley. Each year, Martlet will invest in several early-stage companies with high growth potential, as co-investees with other angels and seed funds. Investments will be made primarily

Data from Lyceum Capital and Cass Business School’s UK Growth Buyout Dashboard shows that 23 smaller private equity buyouts worth an aggregate GBP828 million completed between 1 January and 31 March 2011 – the highest volume and value seen in any single quarter during the past two years. This quarterly

Cinven, the European buyout firm, has reached an agreement to acquire SLV Group (SLV) from HgCapital. Founded in 1979 by Franko Neumetzler, SLV Group is one of the fastest growing and most successful providers of lighting products in Europe. The value of the transaction has not been disclosed. SLV, headquartered

Private equity (PE) owned companies have continued to grow turnover and staff numbers during the recession, says a new report and survey published by PwC. ‘Looking to the future – Private equity backed company survey, 2011’ finds that growth is back at the top of the corporate agenda for PE

Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group has acquired ADA Cosmetics (ADA), an integrated supplier of hotel amenities and cosmetics, from Halder Private Equity (Halder). The management will continue to retain a minority stake. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Headquartered in Kehl, Germany with approximately 270

Acacia Pharma, a pharmaceutical company specialising in the development of drugs for cancer supportive care, has successfully closed a funding round, raising a total of USD10 million. New investor Lundbeckfond Ventures joins Gilde Healthcare in this Series A financing. Acacia Pharma will use the proceeds to complete Phase II development

Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP has acquired 22 neighbourhood grocery stores and standalone units from Spanish food retailer, Eroski, on a sale and leaseback basis on behalf of one its single-client accounts.   Purchased for approximately EUR45.5 million, the entire portfolio is let to Eroski on a new 20-year lease.

Alternative investment firm Bernheim, Dreyfus & Co has partnered with with the French Foundation for Disabled (APSH 34), a charitable association which helps the psychiatrically disabled through their rehabilitation and the process of reintegration into society. For over 30 years APSH 34, together with the Fondation de France and the