The inspector general of the US Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation said it has found improper communications between the agency’s former director, Charles Millard, and investment firms bidding for contracts to manage the agency’s $2.5bn allocation to private equity and real estate. US Congress is now investigating the issue.
2 min read · 21 January 2013
The firm AREA Property Partners has bought a minority stake in a UK retail park fund and has formed a company to undertake strategic asset management of the properties.
2 min read · 21 January 2013
Michael Russell has joined the emerging markets firm having previously served Chelsea Football Club and a development company on behalf of Hong Kong businessman, Victor Hwang.
1 min read · 21 January 2013
The publicly listed alternative investment firm will sell Class A shares to repay a portion of its outstanding debt as well as generate working capital that may be used to fund GP contributions to Fortress funds.
2 min read · 21 January 2013
Having announced an investment of over €130 million in eight warehouses in continental Europe earlier this week, the Paris-based firm has continued its logistics drive with the further announcement of a purchase of four warehouses from London-listed Brixton.
2 min read · 21 January 2013
IDeA Alternative Investments has appointed as chairman Lino Benassi, whose chairmanships currently include Banca Italease and Credit Suisse Italy. IDeA plans to augment its private equity fund products with special situation, hedge, real estate and mezzanine products as well as to launch alternative investment firms in Southern Europe.
1 min read · 21 January 2013
The Chicago-based firm co-founded by Sam Zell and Gary Garrabrant categorically rules out investing in the US but says it wants to grow its five investments in Brazil real estate operating companies to at least seven or eight. The firm is also looking to China, Vietnam and Egypt for future deals.
2 min read · 21 January 2013
Former Hilton Hotels executive, Jonathan Benowitz has joined RockBridge as managing director in charge of the firm’s investment group. Benowitz played a key role in Hilton’s sale to The Blackstone Group in 2007 and has also worked for the Marriott Corporation.
1 min read · 21 January 2013
Julio Ramirez, who left Blackstone-affiliated placement agent Park Hill in March, has reportedly pleaded guilty to securities fraud. The allegations stem from the time Ramirez was employed by Wetherly Capital, prior to joining Park Hill; Blackstone says its internal investigation revealed no misconduct at Park Hill.
2 min read · 21 January 2013
New York-based Och-Ziff Capital Management Group is backing Max Property Group, a closed-ended company to be managed by London property firm Prestbury.
1 min read · 21 January 2013
