Managers
Oxford Investment Opportunity Network (OION), a business angel network owned and managed by Oxford Innovation, has launched its initial Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) Fund.
The OION 2015 SEIS FUND is promoted and managed by Innvotec Ltd, an FCA regulated Alternative Investment Fund Manager, specialising in investment in start-up and early-stage businesses.
OION is Innvotec’s strategic partner in the fund with specific responsibility for identifying high potential investment opportunities and assisting the entrepreneurs and their businesses post investment.
The fund is the first in a proposed series of annual SEIS funds dedicated to investing in start-up and young
The partners of 123Venture have launched Lendix, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to SMEs which lets institutional and private investors can lend directly to businesses at rates based on the quality of the borrower.
Lend has raised EUR7 million in a funding round led by Partech Ventures, Weber Investissements and 123Venture’s management team, including founder Olivier Goy who is chairman of this new business.
123Venture is a French private equity asset management firm dedicated to retail investors with more than 60,000 private clients and EUR1.2bn of assets under management.
“Our driver for Lendix is similar to the one we
Lending Works, the only peer-to-peer lender to have insurance protecting lenders’ money against borrower defaults and fraud, is rolling out an extended insurance to safeguard savings against a greater range of risks affecting borrowers’ ability to repay loans.
These include all the major reasons for default such as accidents, illness, death and loss of employment.
With the enhanced Lending Works Shield in place, even in the event of another major market downturn, where loan repayments may be harder to collect and arrears can rise, Lending Works’ insurance cover will safeguard savers’ funds.
In research conducted in partnership with
Advent International has received USD2.1 billion in commitments for Advent Latin American Private Equity Fund VI (LAPEF VI), reaching the fund’s hard cap after less than six months in the market.
LAPEF VI is the largest private equity fund ever raised for Latin America. Advent’s previous fund dedicated to the region, LAPEF V, closed on USD1.65 billion in 2010.
“We are pleased with the strong support we received from both existing and new investors,” says Advent managing partner Patrice Etlin. “We believe the high level of demand reflects our leadership position in Latin America based on our strong 18-year
Law firm Howard Kennedy has advised on the sale of make-up retailer Models Own to retail conglomerate Fawaz Alhokair & Co.
The sale, the terms of which have not been disclosed, will allow for the international and domestic expansion of Models Own, creating an additional 1,000 jobs.
Models Own offers a range of nail varnishes and lipsticks popular with celebrities and musicians sold through store concessions and its own Bottleshop outlets. Fawaz Alhokair & Co is one of the largest retail conglomerates in the world, with over 2,000 stores in 18 countries across the Middle East and Central Asia.
Investcorp is to acquire specialist Italian retailer Dainese for an enterprise value of EUR130 million.
Founder and president Lino Dainese is to retain a minority stake in the business alongside Investcorp.
Founded in 1972, Dainese is a recognised brand for safety and quality in the motorcycle and other dynamic sports market. Originally famed for its competitive motorcycling racing wear, Dainese has subsequently diversified its product range and today provides protective gear for road and racing, as well as for use in winter sports, biking and horse riding. In addition, through the AGV brand name, Dainese is a protective helmet manufacturer
AGI Global Holdings Coöperatief and AGI-Shorewood Group US Holdings (together ASG) are to sell their North American and Asian print businesses to Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS).
The acquisition of ASG, a manufacturer of print and packaging in the US, Canada, Mexico and China, will further expand MPS’ global network and customer base.
Marc Shore, CEO of Multi Packaging Solutions, says: “We are pleased about the addition of ASG to the MPS family. Both companies share a common vision: to provide innovative products of the highest quality to serve our customers on a local and global basis. We look forward
Mérieux Développement is expanding its activities by creating a second evergreen vehicle, with a total commitment of EUR150 million sponsored by Institut Mérieux.
As part of a long-term partnership agreement, Sienna Capital, a company controlled by Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL), has committed an initial amount of EUR75 million, mostly dedicated to the new vehicle established.
Mérieux Développement will deploy substantial new capital within the healthcare and nutrition sectors in growth capital as well as venture capital. To support this expansion, Mérieux Développement recently opened permanent offices in the US and appointed Christine Demode as chief financial officer.
“We
Ambienta SGR has held the final close of Ambienta II at EUR323.5 million.
The fund closed above its target of EUR300 million and ahead of schedule.
Investors comprised leading institutions from around the world, including pension funds, insurance companies, funds of funds and family offices in Europe and the US. Notable limited partners included international LPs such as the European Investment Fund, Generali, HarbourVest, Hermes, Pantheon, RobecoSAM, Stafford Capital Partners, Unigestion and Zurich Insurance Group, as well as Italian LPs such as CNPADC, Fondazione Enasarco, Intesa Sanpaolo, Fondo Italiano di Investimento, and Poste Vita.
The fund will continue
Equities First Holdings, a specialist in alternative shareholder financing solutions, has acquired the Australian offices of Meridian Equity Partners.
EFH now operates six facilities on four continents. Operations in Australia will continue under the name Equities First Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd.
“Today’s acquisition marks a milestone in the global growth plan of Equities First Holdings. We are excited at the opportunity to deliver our trusted services and expertise to a broader consumer base,” says Al Christy, founder and president of EFH. “With six offices that serve clients in North America, Asia, Europe, and now Australia; we are able to
Events
12 November, 2026 – 8:00 am
12 November, 2026 – 5:00 pm
