French private equity firm Qualium Investissement has made four senior promotions as part of its ongoing growth strategy, strengthening its investment, governance and execution capabilities.

BU Bregal Unternehmerkapital, a mid-cap investor headquartered in the DACH region, has entered into the Dutch market with the opening of an office in Amsterdam, and appointed Willem van der Veer as partner and head of Benelux.

Law firm Hogan Lovells has appointed Thibault Dupont-Nougein as a partner in the firm’s Private Equity & Funds practice area in Paris. He joins from Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

Private equity firm Hg is facing a £10m equal pay lawsuit brought by a former senior employee, in a rare public employment dispute involving one of Europe’s largest technology-focused buyout firms, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The Auréa Group, a specialist private equity firm focused on beauty, wellness and longevity, has appointed Aparna Aiyar as partner, strengthening the group’s leadership and expertise in the consumer sector.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has appointed Payom Pirahesh as a partner in its private equity practice, based in Los Angeles. He brings experience advising private equity funds, asset managers, and other stakeholders on complex corporate transactions.

Dechert LLP has appointed Jarlath Pratt as a partner in its corporate and securities practice group in London. He brings over 20 years of experience in both private practice and as managing director and assistant general counsel within a global institutional investor.

Blackstone is planning to expand its headcount across Asia as it looks to capitalise on growing demand for private market products, according to a report by Bloomberg citing Ed Huang, head of Asia Pacific private wealth at the firm.