Drive Capital, a venture capital investment firm targeting promising companies in the Midwest, has made its first two investments – Roadtrippers, a web-based company that helps travellers plan road trips, and CrossChx, which provides patient identification and security technologies for healthcare facilities.   According to Drive Capital’s co-founders and principals, Mark Kvamme and Chris Olsen, both are consistent with the firm’s commitment to Midwest-based companies and investments.   “Aspiring entrepreneurs like Sean Lane and James Fisher represent some of the great individuals in the Midwest building world class companies," says Olsen. "We are excited to be given the opportunity to

HIG WhiteHorse, a credit affiliate of investment firm HIG Capital, has arranged and provided a GBP28.4m unitranche debt financing for Kelvin Hughes, a supplier of maritime navigational data and a designer and manufacturer of surveillance radars and navigation systems.   With the new support of HIG WhiteHorse and continued support of its majority shareholder ECI Partners, Kelvin Hughes will be further leveraging its position as a supplier of maritime navigational data and continue developing radar solutions globally.   Appu Mundassery, managing director at HIG WhiteHorse, says: “We are pleased to support Kelvin Hughes with a financing package that allows the

Global ATM services provider Cardtronics has acquired Cardpoint Limited, which trades as ATM services provider Cashzone in the UK and as Cardpoint in Germany.   In conjunction with this deal, Cardtronics has launched a new corporate identity for its European operations, Cardtronics Europe, which will combine Cashzone, Cardpoint and Bank Machine, Cardtronics’ existing UK subsidiary.   From a consumer point of view, the Bank Machine and Cashzone brands remain intact in the UK, as well as the Cardpoint brand in Germany.   Cardtronics chief executive officer Steve Rathgaber says: "Cardtronics has been operating in the UK since our 2005 acquisition

Rock Hill Capital Group has sold its ownership position in Blackhawk Specialty Tools to Bain Capital and Blackhawk management.   Rock Hill invested in Blackhawk in February 2010 to provide the company with growth capital to expand its markets and product offerings.   “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the Blackhawk team and its CEO Billy Brown through an exciting and dynamic growth period for the company,” says Randall Hale, founder and managing director of Rock Hill. “We enjoyed our relationship with the Blackhawk team and could not have asked for better partners. We wish

An affiliate of Versa Capital Management has acquired the operating businesses of Hatteras/CABO from Brunswick Corporation.   Hatteras Yachts produces sportfishing and luxury motor yachts, while CABO Yachts builds sportfishing express boats from 36 to 52 feet.   The acquisition is effective immediately. Purchase terms have not been disclosed.   “Both Hatteras and CABO are cornerstone American brands in their respective luxury marine markets, and both have been affected during the extended economic downturn,” says Gregory L Segall, chief executive of Versa Capital. “Working with the company’s seasoned management team, we see great opportunity to build value in these businesses

Middle market private equity firm Huron Capital Partners has made the first in a series of planned investments in the dental services industry with an investment in Dynamic Dental Partners (DDP).    Based in Sarasota, Florida, DDP is a dental services organisation that provides operational support to a network of dental practices located in Florida, Arizona and Virginia.   "We are thrilled to be partnering with Huron Capital," says Dr Alex Giannini, DDP’s chief executive. "We see a significant opportunity to continue building DDP and are grateful to have a like-minded partner in Huron who can provide the capital and operational

Rotunda Capital Partners, a middle market private equity investment firm, has sold its investment in Worldwide Express to a group of investors including a significant investment from the management team.   Financial terms have not been disclosed.   “We developed a strategic partnership with the Worldwide Express management team and are proud to be involved in building the company into one of the leading third party logistics providers serving the small and medium sized business market,” says John Fruehwirth, managing partner at Rotunda Capital. “The company achieved significant growth during our investment and we are pleased to provide our investors