Private Equity

U.S. Private Equity Fundraising Breaks Record Set in 2000

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 3, 2006 - 1:22pm.

New York - Breaking a six-year-old record, U.S. private equity firms have now raised $177.89 billion so far this year, according to Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst.

The tally, which included fund closures over the past week, has eclipsed the previous high of $177.75 billion raised in 2000. Private equity includes buyout and corporate finance funds, venture capital, mezzanine funds and funds of funds.

tags: Deals | VC | Investing | Private Equity |

NYT Report: DOJ Looking Into Possible Collusion by Private Equity Firms

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 10, 2006 - 4:32pm.

Washington - The New York Times DealBook publication reported on Tuesday that the U.S. Justice Department has sent letters to major private equity firms in a possible inquiry into anticompetitive activity. The article said that the "the delicate dance among buyout firms, who compete in some deals and work side-by-side on others, is drawing some unwanted attention." Amid a surge in private equity in recent years, the funds have become an increasingly important driver of merger and acquisition activity by public companies. The article added, "In private, some buyout executives concede that firms' cooperation, often in the form of 'club deals,' can have the effect of lowering prices for the companies they are acquiring."

Moshir Venture Partners to Provide Seed Capital to Digital Media Firms

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 14, 2006 - 2:26pm.

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Arizona entrepreneur Sean Moshir announced on Monday the formation of Moshir Venture Partners, a private equity investment firm that will provide seed-stage capital funding for technology start-ups in the wireless/mobile, online media and entertainment broadcasting fields.

Musicrypt Raises $1.5 Million; Patent Dispute With Rival Escalates

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on June 8, 2006 - 4:55pm.

Toronto - Musicrypt, a provider of secure digital distribution of songs at record labels, and between labels and radio stations, announced on Thursday that it has raised $1.5 million through the private placement of 7.5 million shares.