Nautic Partners, a private equity firm with more than USD2.5 billion of capital under management, has acquired Superior Vision Holdings, Inc in partnership with the company’s existing management team. Headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California, Superior Vision provides vision insurance coverage to approximately two million members across all 50 states. Superior Vision will continue to work as an independent vision plan in the marketplace exactly as they do today and the existing management team, led by Rick Corbett, will continue to operate the Company. Founded in 1993, Superior Vision is one of the leading independent vision benefits companies in the United

The owners of John Varvatos Enterprises, Inc – VF Sportswear, Inc., a subsidiary of VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) and John Varvatos – have signed a definitive agreement to sell the majority ownership interest in the company to Lion Capital LLP, with Mr Varvatos retaining an ownership position. The transaction, which is subject to normal closing conditions, is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2012. Terms were not disclosed.   John Varvatos launched his namesake brand in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear and it now represents an entire men’s lifestyle collection that includes footwear,

The US Small Business Administration has licensed the first nationally-focused Impact Investment Fund, SJF Ventures III, LP. The fund will make equity investments in cleantech and technology companies in communities nationwide as part of an impact investment initiative to invest up to USD1.5 billion in high-growth small businesses. "SJF Ventures III, LP is yet another important new ally in SBA’s commitment to foster small business growth and job creation in emerging sectors," says Administrator Karen Mills. "They’re an experienced team that is well-positioned to drive more investment in high growth, positive impact companies. We will continue to grow this and

FRV has entered into a partnership with Denham Capital, a leading global energy focused private equity firm, to invest over USD190 million in new solar energy projects across a broad range of geographies. The partnership with Denham Capital will strengthen FRV’s ability to make investments in global solar markets, including Australia, South Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. The partnership will consider acquisitions where FRV’s core competencies can add value.  FRV will continue to provide asset management services to existing partners and will opportunistically consider new asset management contracts.    Denham Capital will be the lead investor in

BNY Mellon has been appointed delegate, principal paying agent, registrar and transfer agent on a new Trust Certificate Issuance Programme established by MAF Sukuk Ltd. Sukuk issuances under the programme are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Majid Al Futtaim Holding LLC. The inaugural issuance was for USD400,000,000 with a 5.85% profit rate per annum due in 2017.   As delegate and principal paying agent BNY Mellon will perform fiduciary duties and make profit and principal payments to investors on behalf of MAF Sukuk Ltd while handling administrative duties related to the issuance of the certificates.   “The launch of the

Healthcare specialist Westhouse Medical Services is in negotiations for the acquisition of a majority control of US listed Sunridge International. Sunridge’s subsidiary, Ophthalmic International Inc, has developed a glaucoma procedure called PNT, which could revolutionise the way glaucoma is treated globally.   Westhouse Medical Services, listed on the Open Standard Section of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, is aggressively implementing its expansion plans, and this acquisition will further build its medical devices subsidiary.   The majority control will also provide Westhouse Medical Services with access to the US markets for its BreastCheck product, which is patented and FDA approved. Currently Westhouse’s

In a move that broadens its US manufacturing base and global reach, flooring manufacturer Mannington Mills announced has acquired Amtico International, a manufacturer of high-quality luxury vinyl flooring products. Mannington Mills, based in Salem, NJ, is one of the largest and oldest flooring manufacturers in the United States. Founded in 1915, the fourth-generation, family-owned company manufactures and markets residential and commercial resilient, laminate, hardwood and porcelain tile floors, as well as commercial carpet and rubber. “The acquisition of Amtico is an extremely exciting development for Mannington, as it not only brings a world class organisation into the Mannington family, but

Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) has exited investments in two of its portfolio companies. – Drilling Info and Currie Acquisitions. The company has completed the exit of its debt investment and a portion of its equity investments in Drilling Info, Inc, an information service provider and resource for the oil and gas industry, as part of an equity investment in Drilling Info by a group of leading private equity investment firms focused on the global software, Internet and data-services industries.  Main Street made its initial investment in Drilling Info, which consisted of an USD8.0 million second lien, secured debt

Hogan Lovells advised AIM listed Abcam plc (Abcam) on its agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Epitomics International Inc (Epitomics), for USD170 million in a deal announced on Monday 5 March 2012. Epitomics is based in San Francisco with operations in China. Abcam, a global leader in the supply of protein research tools, will acquire the antibody business which is focused on the development, production and distribution of rabbit monoclonal antibodies (RabMAbs) for biomedical research and diagnostic applications. The transaction is expected to close by May 2012. The acquisition is to be funded in cash and stock.