HFF has closed the USD176 million sale of and arranged USD130 million in financing for three Class A office buildings totalling 1,065,628 square feet that are part of the Houston Galleria. HFF marketed the property on behalf of the seller, an affiliated entity of Walton Street Capital, L.L.C., and procured the buyer, Unilev Capital Corporation. “During the process interest rates increased substantially. Unilev and the lender committed to close the transaction and both closed as originally agreed to, which is a testament to their character and abilities to bring capital in an ever changing marketplace,” says Robert Williamson of HFF.

Espirito Santo Financiere SA, Luxembourg (ESFIL), a fully owned subsidiary of Espirito Santo Group SA (ESFG) and ADEPA Asset Management SA (ADEPA) have signed an agreement that gives ESFIL a 40% stake in ADEPA though a capital increase. The partnership will enable ADEPA to build on its successes and capitalise on the increased market opportunities for its fund administration and investor services and reinforces the presence of ESFG in Luxembourg. ADEPA’s focus will remain the provision of a diversified range of services to institutional and professional investors worldwide. Carlos Alberto Morales López and Javier Valls Martinez, shareholders and promoters of

Rhodia has acquired an interest in Aster II, Aster Capital’s venture capital fund targeting innovative technology start-ups. This fund, specifically focused on energy, advanced materials and environment sectors, should eventually raise EUR120 to EUR150. Joining forces in this novel multi-corporate venture capital fund, the three sponsors – Alstom, Rhodia and Schneider Electric – will actively promote the development of young and innovative companies. By fostering cooperation and partnerships, it will guarantee the relevance of technologies and markets assessed to investors. Companies in the fund’s portfolio will also have access to the global network of each of the three partners. The

NBGI Private Equity (NBGIPE) has backed the GBP9m management buyout of Facilities Services Group (FSG) from Spice Ltd. FSG is a UK market leader in the provision of hard facilities management (HFM) services to large, multi-site operators in the retail and leisure sectors. NBGIPE is backing the existing FSG management team, led by George Lilley (managing director) and David Simmons (executive chairman). Lilley and Simmons are seasoned HFM professionals with a combined 44-years’ experience with the likes of GSH Group, WS Atkins, Broadgate Estates and Middleton Maintenance. Both joined FSG in late 2009 with a mandate to expand FSG’s range

DN Capital portfolio company Digital Chocolate Inc, a developer of social games on facebook and other platforms, has closed USD12 million in Series D financing. This round was led by Intel Capital and includes participation from prior investors DN Capital, Sutter Hill Ventures and Bridgescale Partners. The new funding comes on the heels of Digital Chocolate’s successful 2010 during which it became one of the top five global games publishers on Facebook. The company has also achieved more than 100 million mobile downloads, and has brought its social games to the smartphone and tablet platforms. With this additional growth capital,

Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) has agreed to acquire Gerflor, the international flooring specialist, from AXA Private Equity, with the support of Gerflor’s existing management team, headed by its CEO Bertrand Chammas.   Other minority shareholders (including Barclays Private Equity and NiXEN Partners) will also sell their stake in the company. This follows a period of five years where AXA Private Equity has actively supported the Gerflor management to expand the business through bolt-on acquisitions and investment in organic growth.   Over the course of AXA Private Equity’s 5 year ownership, Gerflor has accelerated its diversification into new, high value-added areas

Private equity firm GTCR has signed a definitive agreement with Silverfleet Capital and PPM America Capital Partners to acquire Sterigenics International, Inc, a leading provider of contract sterilisation and ionisation services for medical devices, food products, and advanced applications. The transaction will drive the continued expansion of Sterigenics’ service offering globally. Sterigenics is the sole provider of contract sterilisation and ionisation services on a global basis, with a network of 38 service centres across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company provides its customers with comprehensive sterilisation solutions, offering technology in all leading sterilisation modalities and complementary value-added services. Sterigenics