Heartland Bridge Capital, Inc (OTCBB:HLBC), a private equity firm focused on developing a portfolio of unique investments in emerging technologies, has made its initial funding of USD100,000 in biotechnology company HepatoChem, Inc, pursuant to a definitive investment agreement to provide up to USD400,000 of equity capital. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, HepatoChem is a privately held company that offers pharmaceutical and biotech companies a reliable and efficient means of accessing small molecule metabolites in quantities needed in the drug development process.   HepatoChem’s innovative technology uses biomimetic catalysts to mimic the metabolic function of the liver.  This unique technology, developed in

Eurazeo has acquired 3S Photonics, a French high technology company, specialising in opto-electronic components. This second investment by Eurazeo Croissance, following its investment in Fonroche, is part of Eurazeo’s policy to support the development of French SMEs. Eurazeo is purchasing the holdings of several investors, including those of Fonds Stratégique d’Investissement (FSI) for which 3S Photonics had been one of its first investments. Eurazeo also will be investing in a capital increase of 10 million euros to finance 3S Photonics’ growth, for a total equity investment of 37 million euros by Eurazeo. Following the equity increase, Eurazeo will hold close

Bertram Capital has sold Power Distribution to Smiths Interconnect, a division of global technology business Smiths Group plc for USD235 million. The all-cash sale was previously announced by Smiths in September and today’s announcement reflects the completion of the transaction. The sale is Bertram Capital’s first exit from its inaugural fund, Bertram Growth Capital I, LP. "PDI’s exceptional growth and the highly favourable outcome of the transaction represent the unique model central to our buy and build approach at Bertram Capital: combining venture-like operating methodologies with private equity discipline," says Jeff Drazan (pictured), Managing Partner at Bertram Capital. "We started

Candescent Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, has acquired SoftBase, a provider of DB2 z/OS coding, testing and deployment tools that accelerate application development. Candescent led the transaction with co-investors Harbert Mezzanine Capital, Bush O’Donnell Capital Partners, and Brooke Private Equity Associates. SoftBase is Candescent’s fourth platform acquisition and second in the software sector. SoftBase Systems is recognised as a leading provider of application testing and tuning solutions for IBM’s DB2(R) database utilising the OS/390(R) and z/OS(R) operating systems. SoftBase’s solutions enable its customers to build and maintain high-quality DB2 applications that run as reliably and cost-effectively as possible. As

South Bend Controls is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly engineered, solenoid-based components used in critical applications serving the aerospace and defence, industrial and medical markets. The business will operate within Curtiss-Wright’s Motion Control segment. "The acquisition of South Bend Controls by Curtiss-Wright validates the company’s unique strength in highly engineered valves and regulators and brings together two companies with outstanding histories in the aerospace industry," says Michael F Pound, CEO of Koontz-Wagner Holdings. “I want to thank Peter Hutchings, the General Manger of South Bend Controls, and his excellent team for their many years of service to Koontz-Wagner.”

Gresham Private Equity-backed ICR Integrity has acquired asset integrity specialists North East Corrosion Engineers Ltd (NECE Ltd), in the first phase of the group’s expansion since its formation in July. ICR Integrity was formed in July 2011 following the buy-out of Walker Technical Resources, the Aberdeen based specialist in engineered composite repairs for the worldwide oil and gas industry. Gresham’s investment commitment funded both the buy-out and the planned acquisition strategy, with acquisition debt facilities provided by HSBC. The acquisition of NECE is the first in an ambitious plan in the integrity, corrosion and repair niche, involving both acquisitions and

First Reserve Corporation, a private investment firm in the energy industry, has entered into an agreement to provide an equity commitment of USD100 million from its Energy Infrastructure Fund to a joint venture with Energy Corporation of America (ECA). Through the joint venture, First Reserve will own a 50% interest in two newly constructed gathering systems located in Pennsylvania’s Greene and Clearfield counties. Both systems service the Marcellus Shale which has been bolstered by strong drilling results for natural gas. The joint venture will operate under long-term contracts with a fixed take-or-pay structure.   In addition to the initial investment,

Investec Specialist Bank’s (Investec) Fund Finance team has provided a GBP14 million debt facility to the management of Clyde Blowers Capital (CBC), a leading investor in industrial businesses. The four year loan facility will enable the management of CBC to co-invest in the Clyde Blowers Capital Fund III (CBC Fund III). The target fund size of CBC Fund III is GBP350m with a hard cap of GBP400m. A second close is planned for later in the year. This will allow CBC to pursue the strong pipeline of deal opportunities it continues to build.   CBC Fund II, a GBP250m fund

Gresham Private Equity-backed James Grant Group (JGG) has acquired the entire issued share capital of Rabbit Vocal Management Limited, the leading London based Voiceover Management Company. JGG is a leading provider of management and professional services to clients within the broadcast media, music and sports sectors. Commenting on the deal, Mike Wallwork COO  of JGG, says: “This acquisition is another step forward in developing a broad range of marketing services under the James Grant Group. We will seek to add further complementary companies which focus on the music, sport and entertainment sectors as and when the appropriate opportunities arise.”  

Oak Hill Capital Partners has made a USD55 million strategic investment in Southern Air. The investment by Oak Hill Capital, which has been Southern Air’s majority investor since 2007, will support the completion of Southern Air’s fleet renewal and the company’s continued growth. Denis J Nayden, a Managing Partner of Oak Hill Capital, says: "We are very pleased to provide Southern Air with additional capital to support the ongoing transformation of the company. Southern Air’s new management team has done a great job of upgrading the company’s fleet and establishing relationships with some of the world’s outstanding cargo carriers.  We are excited