Category: News

Little over three weeks after the first Windows Blue leak, another build makes its way onto the interwebs. Windows Blue build 9369 is now available (we will not tell you where, but you can easily find it). But are you really surprised? Every time there’s a new version of Windows in development a leaked build somehow surfaces in the darker corners of the Internet. We can almost say that it’s tradition and just a matter of time before the next one arrives.

Unlike the previous leak, Windows Blue build 9369 is only available in a 64 bit trim as far as I can tell and, depending on who is behind the leak, comes in at around 3.2 GB or 3.6 GB. There are also no telltale signs that Microsoft will name Windows Blue as Windows 8.1 further down the road, as was previously rumored. What we know, based on actual sources, is that the final name is not Windows Blue.

The folks over at WinBeta have posted a video of Windows Blue build 9369 on YouTube, which clearly shows that Microsoft has yet to tweak the name. The operating system lists itself as Windows 8 Pro.

Some of the apparent changes include: an app list button, so that users can go straight to the list of installed software using the mouse, the ability to sort apps based on name, installation date and most used, displaying the search query inside the Charms menu instead of redirecting to a new screen and a Company apps menu inside the System settings window, similar at a first glance to the identically named feature already available on Windows Phone 8.

The Company apps feature, on Windows Phone 8, is designed to allow businesses to manage Windows Phone 8 smartphones and offer apps, certificates and policies, among others. It is, therefore, safe to assume that Microsoft plans to offer a similar functionality to Windows Blue users as well and narrow the gap between its two operating systems.

In order to make it easier and smoother for users to manage files, Microsoft also added a file explorer feature, which is available in SkyDrive when using the Modern UI (User Interface). This also means that the software giant plans to further drive folks away from using the desktop and move them onto the Modern UI.

There are also new options inside Change PC settings, meant to provide a more seamless operation for users sporting a touch-based device such as laptop or tablet.

The latest Windows Blue build shows the direction Microsoft is heading in. Judging by what we have seen so far, that direction involves making the next operating system more user-friendly for both PC as well as tablet users and further push the Modern UI as the sole and go-to interface for basic use and productivity purposes.

Photo Credit: Ahturner/Shutterstock

Facebook has released Facebook for iOS 6.0, a major update for its iPhone and iPad app. The major new feature in version 6 is the introduction of “chat heads”, which allow users to chat from anywhere in the app — this feature isn’t yet universally available, but should be rolled out to all users “soon”, according to Facebook.

Chat heads are small circular icons representing both individual chatters and Facebook Messages. The chat head appears automatically when receiving a message, or can be manually set up by tapping the contact’s name in the contacts list.

The chat heads float on top of the main Facebook window: users can continue to use other parts of Facebook such as the news feed, then resume chatting by tapping the appropriate chat head icon. Icons can be dragged into new positions on-screen, while users can temporarily close the chat window by tapping away from it. The chat head icon can be removed simply by tapping and dragging the chat head down on to the close button at the bottom of the screen.

The new feature is accompanied on the iPhone with the addition of support for inserting stickers — large smiley icons — into messages. Tap the smiley button to select one of 32 pre-included smiley faces, while more icons can be downloaded via the Sticker Store, which is accessible by tapping the blue basked icon. At the present time seven additional stickers are available — all free.

iPhone users also gain support for customizing their feed, with support for browsing new feeds like Music, Photos and Games.

While iPad users don’t gain stickers with this build, they will find the main screen has been redesigned to bring photos and other pictorial elements front and center. This mirrors developments made to the main Facebook.com news feed last month, a feature that Facebook claims populates the feed with “brighter, more beautiful stories”.

Facebook for iOS 6.0 is available now as a free download for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

If you are an avid LinkedIn user on Windows Phone 8 then you will certainly appreciate the latest update. The app has introduced significant improvements over its predecessor, ranging from a new live tile size, to speech recognition and expanded language support.

New versions of LinkedIn for Windows Phone 8 don’t come often so any major update is likely to be the only one users will see in a while (a minor update for it appeared earlier this week, but without any noticeable new features or changes from the previous version other than, most likely, a couple of bug fixes and general performance enhancements). So what delights does LinkedIn 1.5 have to offer us? Let’s take a look at the changes.

For the first time LinkedIn users can now take advantage of all three Windows Phone 8 live tile options. Users can resize the tile in wide, medium and small format, with the same support for displaying counters and connection status updates or last messages.

Windows Phone 8 users are also able to use LinkedIn for lockscreen information. The app displays pictures for LinkedIn today in a decently-sized rectangle. Sadly, no interaction is possible other than to go straight to the story on the business-oriented social network, after tapping on the picture.

Windows Phone 8’s speech recognition allows apps to take advantage of the feature, using voice commands to perform certain actions or open the app itself. LinkedIn has tapped into this functionality with commands like “LinkedIn: Inbox” and “LinkedIn: New status”. The names are self-explanatory.

The final new feature introduced by LinkedIn 1.5, and certainly one that non-native English speakers will appreciate, is support for four more languages including Chinese, French, German and Spanish.

Overall LinkedIn has added some great new features to its Windows Phone 8 app. The latest update also shows that, even though the app may sport a competent functionality, tapping into the Windows Phone 8 feature set can improve the overall experience for users. Certainly, the extra live tile size, lockscreen, speech recognition and extra languages support are very welcome indeed.

LinkedIn 1.5 is available to download from the Windows Phone Store.

Photo Credit: Netfalls – Remy Musser/Shutterstock

The Carlyle Group, in partnership with Palamon Capital Partners, has acquired DBG Limited. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The sale represents an exit for Synova Capital.

PRESS RELEASE

Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) and Palamon Capital Partners today announced the acquisition of DBG (UK) Limited (“dbg”) from Synova Capital. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Operating for over 20 years, dbg is a specialist healthcare support services provider of training, compliance support, engineering services, materials and equipment. Using a membership-based model, dbg works alongside over 8,000 dental, GP and veterinary practices throughout the UK, and is headquartered in Winsford, Cheshire.

Eric Kump, Managing Director at Carlyle said “dbg is a well-established business delivering clear benefits to its members, customers and suppliers. Carlyle and Palamon have a strong track record in this sector, having acquired Integrated Dental Holdings (“IDH”) in 2011. While the two businesses will be part of the same investment vehicle, dbg will remain independent and will benefit from the expertise of the investors.”

Jonathan Heathcote, Partner at Palamon, added “The existing management team has done a great job of delivering strong business performance and we look forward to building on this in the future as we explore the further growth opportunities in this sector.”

Speaking on the transaction, Managing Director of dbg, Kanesh Khilosia, commented “We are delighted to be partnering with Carlyle and Palamon. They strongly support our strategy to continue to grow and diversify dbg’s services and support our members whose interests remain first and foremost. Carlyle and Palamon bring a wealth of sector experience, which will build upon that of the existing management. The prospect of greater co-operation with IDH, which operates the largest healthcare practise network in the UK, will significantly add to our ability to provide a superior, cost effective service to our members.”

Philip Shapiro, Managing Partner at Synova commented “We are very pleased with the completion of our successful investment in dbg. Since we acquired dbg in 2010, the membership base has more than doubled and profits have trebled. We thank the dbg management team and staff for their valuable contribution and hard work. Carlyle and Palamon have a clear vision and ability to continue this growth.”

-Ends-

Enquiries

The Carlyle Group
Catherine Armstrong [email protected]
T: +44 20 7894 1632

Palamon Capital Partners
Jonathan Heathcote [email protected]
Annette Wilson [email protected]
T: +44 20 7766 2000

Synova Capital
Philip Shapiro [email protected]
T: +44 (0)20 7491 5705
Notes to editors

About The Carlyle Group
The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global alternative asset manager with $170 billion of assets under management across 113 funds and 67 fund of fund vehicles as of December 31, 2012. Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, many of whom are public pension funds. Carlyle invests across four segments – Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Market Strategies and Fund of Funds Solutions – in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The Carlyle Group employs 1,400 people in 33 offices across six continents.

Web: www.carlyle.com
Videos: www.youtube.com/onecarlyle
Tweets: www.twitter.com/onecarlyle
Podcasts: www.carlyle.com/about-carlyle/market-commentary

About Palamon Capital Partners
Palamon Capital Partners, LP is an independent private equity Partnership founded in 1999, which is focused on providing equity for European growth services companies. Palamon, as a pan-European investor, originates, executes and manages investments in the UK, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, France, and Germany. The Firm targets investments in companies where it can achieve double digit growth and where the Partnership’s experienced principals can provide strategic direction and support to help build equity value. The Firm manages Palamon European Equity, L.P. and Palamon European Equity II, L.P., capitalised at €1.1 billion dedicated to growth investment opportunities in Europe’s lower mid-market.

For more information on Palamon refer to www.palamon.com

About Synova Capital
Synova invests in smaller UK growth opportunities with a particular focus on companies valued at between £5m and £30m. Key verticals include Business Services, Software & IT Services, Consumer & Leisure and Healthcare & Education.

For more information on Synova Capital refer to www.synova-capital.com

Alex Bowden
Partner

41 Dover Street London W1S 4NS
T: +44 (0)20 7491 5711 F: +44 (0)20 7491 5706 M: +44 (0)7971 677 330 E: [email protected]
www.synova-capital.com

DISCLAIMER: This communication may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this message in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Synova Capital LLP. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail and delete the original message.

Synova Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Synova Capital LLP is a limited liability partnership. Registered in England No. OC329299
Registered office: 41 Dover Street, London W1S 4NS

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Amazon is a truly global company but until now its Android Appstore was only available in seven countries — the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan.

That’s about to change though as Amazon has today announced plans to introduce its Appstore to close to 200 countries, inviting developers to submit their apps with the promise that they’ll be able to reach millions more active Amazon customers by doing so.

The additional countries include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, India, South Africa, and South Korea, as well as less obvious territories like Papua New Guinea, and Vatican City.

Developers who are interested in making use of this increased international distribution will have their apps made available for download automatically, unless they state otherwise.

“Amazon’s platform is a complete end-to-end solution for developers wanting to build, market and monetize their apps and games on Kindle Fire and Android devices,” Mike George, Vice President of Apps and Games at Amazon said. “Allowing developers to target distribution of their apps and games in even more international countries is yet another important milestone as we strive to serve consumers and developers globally. Many of our existing developers have localized their apps and games for international consumers, and we look forward to working with new developers that have been waiting to bring their apps to more Amazon customers across the globe”.

The roll out of the new store fronts is expected to take several months to complete.

Photo Credit: karen roach/Shutterstock

Asian equity markets tend to be casualties of weak yen. That has generally been the case this time too, especially for South Korea.

Data from our cousins at Lipper offers some evidence to ponder, with net outflows from Korean equity funds at close to $700 million in the first three months of the year. That’s the equivalent of about 4 percent of the total assets held by those funds. The picture was more stark for Taiwan funds, for whom a similar net outflow equated to almost 10 percent of total AuM. Look more broadly though and the picture blurs; Asia ex-Japan equity funds have seen net inflows of more than $3 billion in the first three months of the year, according to Lipper data.

Analysts polled by Reuters see more drops ahead for the yen which they predict will trade around 102 per dollar by year-end (it was at 77.4 last September). Some banks such as Societe Generale expect a 110 exchange rate and therefore recommend being short on Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese equities.

But the weak yen may not be unilaterally bad news for Asian companies. Morgan Stanley analysts have compiled a list of Asian shares that could gain from falling yen costs. Take India’s Maruti-Suzuki. It has zero exposure to yen in terms of revenue but its cost exposure (due to import or components) is 34 percent. A similar picture at China Motor Corp. in Taiwan. Another Taiwanese firm, semiconductor maker Siliconware Precision has a 2 percent revenue exposure to Japan but the yen accounts for 15 percent of its cost base, according to MS data.

Other examples.  MS highlights Taiwan’s casings maker Catcher which holds 54 percent of its debt in yen. It calculates that every 1 percent fall in the yen translates to 1.3 percent upside to its annual income. Tour operators and airlines could also benefit if they are able to send more visitors to newly-cheap Japan.

So a basket of Taiwanese “winner” stocks picked by MS, has returned 10 percent in dollar terms since last November. And broader Taipei stocks are up 1.5 percent year-to-date, compared with a 4 percent drop in Seoul.

So what of South Korea? The Seoul index is down around 4 percent so far this year. But MS point out that companies such as Samsung Engineering and Hyundai Heavy Industries actually performed pretty decently during past periods of yen weakness. As we have written in the past, auto and electronics makers are indeed vulnerable to the weak yen, but not every sector will necessarily take a hit.

Imperial Capital, a full service investment banking firm, has hired five equity sales professionals. They are Anthony Greer, managing director; Anthony Reiner, managing director; Philip Minardo, senior vice president; Yves Lefebvre, senior vice president and Dustin Sanza, vice president.

PRESS RELEASE

Imperial Capital, LLC (“Imperial Capital”), a full service investment banking firm, announced today the Firm’s continued expansion efforts with the hiring of five equity sales professionals. With parallel growth in its fixed income sales & trading franchise, Imperial Capital continues to strengthen its capital structure sales and trading platform for institutional clients.
“We were looking for established equity sales professionals to help take our equities business to the next level,” said Jason Reese, CEO of Imperial Capital Group. “With our recent hiring, we bring on veteran talent in equity capital market sales which will complement our existing franchise. Senior Wall Street professionals continue to join our team in recognition of the strength of our institutional sales & trading, research, capital markets and investment banking platform.”
Joining Imperial Capital’s Equity Sales team are five professionals significantly adding equity sales expertise to the franchise: Anthony Greer, Managing Director; Anthony Reiner, Managing Director; Philip Minardo, Senior Vice President; Yves Lefebvre, Senior Vice President and Dustin Sanza, Vice President.
Mr. Tony Greer joins Imperial Capital as a Managing Director in New York providing senior equity sales expertise with over 20 years of industry experience. Most recently, Mr. Greer was with Dahlman Rose & Co. in Institutional Equity Trading. Prior to Dahlman Rose, Mr. Greer was the Head of the US Agency Equity Desk at Bank Hapoalim in New York. Mr. Greer has ten years of currency and commodity trading experience at Goldman Sachs and UBS. Mr. Greer earned a BS degree from Cornell University.
Mr. Tony Reiner is a Managing Director in the Equity Sales Group in NY and brings over 20 years of event driven experience to Imperial Capital’s franchise. Prior to joining Imperial Capital, Mr. Reiner was a Sales Trader at Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. Prior to Cantor Fitzgerald, Mr. Reiner spent most of his career on the buy side including time as a Portfolio Manager at Richmond Capital and Searock Capital, and launching his own Event Driven Hedge Fund, D/R Asset Management, which later merged into Harbert Management and became the Harbert Management Event Driven Fund. Mr. Reiner received a BA from Johns Hopkins University.
Mr. Philip Minardo joins Imperial Capital as a Senior Vice President in its New York Equity Sales Group. Most recently, Mr. Minardo was a Sales Trader at Wall Street Access. In recent years, Mr. Minardo has held equity capital markets positions with Ticonderoga Securities LLC, S.J. Levinson & Sons LLC and Albert Fried & Company. Mr. Minardo earned a BA from the Catholic University of America.
With over 15 years of industry experience, Mr. Yves Lefebvre joins Imperial Capital as a Senior Vice President in Equity Sales in New York. Most recently, Mr. Lefebvre was a Director, International Research Equity Sales and Sales Trader at Soleil Securities Inc. Prior to Soleil, Mr. Lefebvre was a Principal in International Equity Sales at ThinkEquity Partners, LLC. Mr. Lefebvre also launched the European Institutional Sales Group of Brean Murray & Co. Mr. Lefebvre started his career in financial markets in Brussels (Belgium) as an interest-rate derivatives trader for Credit Commercial de France (CCF). Mr. Lefebvre has a Master in Business Engineering from ICHEC Brussels Management School in Belgium.
Mr. Dustin Sanza joins Imperial Capital as a Vice President, Equity Sales in Boston. Since 2007, Mr. Sanza was in Equity Sales at Wedbush Securities. Prior to Wedbush, Mr. Sanza was a Financial Advisor at Waddell & Reed. Mr. Sanza earned a BS from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
About Imperial Capital, LLC
Imperial Capital, founded in 1997, is a full-service investment banking firm with offices in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Boston, and Chicago. The firm currently employs over 230 professionals and offers a wide range of proprietary products and services to institutional investors, middle market companies, and private equity firms. Imperial Capital provides institutional clients research and sales and trading of high yield and distressed debt securities, bank debt, convertible bonds, preferred stocks, and equities. The firm provides middle market companies and financial sponsors with capital markets, merger and acquisitions, capital structure, restructuring and recapitalization advisory services.

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Fusebill, a provider of automated, flexible and affordable subscription billing and payment solutions, has secured a $2 million investment led by OMERS Ventures, the venture capital investment arm of Canadian pension plan OMERS. Covington Capital also participated in the investment.

PRESS RELEASE

Fusebill, a leading provider of automated, flexible and affordable subscription billing and payment solutions, is announcing a $2 million investment led by OMERS Ventures, the venture capital investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest pension plans. Covington Capital Corp., one of Canada’s largest providers of venture capital investment funds, also participated in the investment.
This financing will provide Fusebill with the necessary capital to execute its strategy, and position itself as a significant player in the growing small-to-mid market SaaS billing and analytics space.
“Fusebill provides our customers a simple way to manage the complexities of subscription billing and invoicing. We are thrilled with the support of OMERS Ventures and Covington Capital – the investment provides us the resources to continue our rapid expansion,” says Steve Adams, CEO of Fusebill.
Fusebill’s online software automates invoicing, billing and collections of subscription and recurring revenue for small and medium businesses. With the increasing adoption of SaaS and mobile technologies within the enterprise, many businesses are turning toward subscription-based business models hosted in the cloud. As this shift occurs, billing services will become core to the online operations of these organizations. Fusebill typically replaces manual processes and homegrown systems, and helps clients manage the customer lifecycle: selling new products and add-ons, renewals and upgrades and targeted offers based on individual customer characteristics.
“Fusebill fills a big gap for small and medium-sized businesses that in the past haven’t been able to access or afford this kind of technology. This, combined with a very experienced management team which has achieved great success together in the past, makes Fusebill a very compelling investment for OMERS Ventures,” says Derek Smyth, Managing Director of OMERS Ventures.
“We expect our customer base, which includes Silanis, Conceptshare and Nuvio, to grow significantly over the next two years as subscription business models become more prevalent,” says Fusebill’s Adams. Leading IT research firm Gartner expects that, by 2015, more than 40% of companies selling media and digital products will rely entirely on subscription management systems to manage their customer lifecycle.
“Fusebill is positioned to be a market leading recurring billing platform for the small-to-medium market. We are excited to partner with Fusebill’s complementary management team and OMERS Ventures in building this business,” says Matt Hall, SVP Investments of Covington Capital.
About Fusebill
Fusebill (Twitter: @fusebill) automates invoicing, billing and collections for subscription based companies. Ideal for both B2B and B2C businesses, our customers span many industry sectors, including software as a service, digital media, and communications. Our customers rely on Fusebill to reduce their costs, speed their cash collections, and extend their customer lifecycles. You can learn more and visit Fusebill at www.fusebill.com.
About OMERS Ventures
OMERS Ventures (Twitter: @OMERSVentures) is the venture capital investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest pension funds with almost $61 billion in net assets. It is an initiative of OMERS Strategic Investments (OSI), an investment entity with a mandate to build long-term strategic relationships with like-minded partners. As both an institutional angel investor and a later-stage investor, OMERS Ventures is looking for successful companies with significant growth potential and market opportunities. We are seeking like-minded partners with a shared vision of building a vibrant and successful knowledge economy. For more information please visit http://www.omersventures.com/.
About Covington Group of Funds
Established in 1994, Covington Capital Corporation is one of Canada’s largest providers of venture capital investment funds. Managing close to $400 million in assets, Covington provides Canadians with the ability to access venture capital investment opportunities via their suite of retail venture capital product offerings. www.covingtonfunds.com.

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Cooley has appointed Wendy C. Goldstein to the firm as a partner in its health care and life sciences regulatory practice. Goldstein, who will be based in Cooley’s New York office, was previously a partner at Epstein Becker & Green.

PRESS RELEASE

Cooley LLP announced today that Wendy C. Goldstein has joined the firm as a partner in its Health Care and Life Sciences Regulatory practice. Goldstein, who will be based in Cooley’s New York office, was previously a partner at Epstein Becker & Green, where she chaired that firm’s Health Care and Life Sciences practice as well as its Pharmaceutical Industry Health Regulatory practice group.
Goldstein uses her industry-wide perspective to advise senior management and boards of directors regarding the impact of federal and state legislation and enforcement activity on business models. Her practice focuses on counseling clients regarding the research, manufacture, sale promotion, distribution, pricing and import/export of pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices, as well as representing manufacturers on various regulatory matters, drafting and negotiating agreements and conducting health regulatory due diligences. She defends pharmaceutical manufacturers in all phases of government investigations and counsels third-party payors in connection with the outpatient prescription drug benefit programs offered under insured and self-insured products.
“Wendy’s experience counseling pharmaceutical companies on fraud and abuse, reimbursement, government investigations and FDA matters will complement, support and deepen our current offering to clients around the country,” said Barbara Kosacz, head of Cooley’s Life Sciences practice. “As the spheres of life sciences, health care and technology become all the more closely interlinked, we strive to offer clients the most comprehensive, interdisciplinary and well-informed advice available.”
“Our momentum in New York will only be strengthened by Wendy’s arrival,” said Jim Fulton, partner in charge of Cooley’s New York office. “She is a life sciences and regulatory practitioner of the absolute highest caliber. We’re thrilled to welcome Wendy to our leading health care and life sciences regulatory practices and look forward to building great things together on the East Coast and nationally.”
Thus far in 2013, seven partners have joined Cooley, including tax partner Michael Faber who joined Cooley’s New York office from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in March.
“It’s great to be joining such a vibrant firm,” said Wendy Goldstein. “Clients throughout the combined life sciences and health care sectors are facing myriad challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving environment. Cooley truly understands the advantages for clients of having such a deep-seated and holistic approach throughout their life cycle — delivering technological advances, commercial successes and protecting both. This is especially important in such a dynamic and complex legislative and regulatory environment that now defines this country’s life sciences and health care sectors.”
Goldstein received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan; her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and her Masters in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center.
About Cooley LLP
Cooley’s 700 attorneys have an entrepreneurial spirit and deep, substantive experience, and are committed to solving clients’ most challenging legal matters. From small companies with big ideas to international enterprises with diverse legal needs, Cooley has the breadth of legal resources to enable companies of all sizes to seize opportunities in today’s global marketplace. The firm represents clients across a broad array of dynamic industry sectors, including technology, life sciences, health care, venture capital, clean energy, real estate and retail.
The firm has full-service offices in eleven major business and technology centers: Boston, MA; Broomfield, CO; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Palo Alto, CA; Reston, VA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; and Shanghai, China.
Contact Information
Thomas Freeman
Email Contact
212-479-6514

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Steve Elefant has joined GoPago, to lead the growth in new channels and further develop GoPago LIVE, an all-in-one cloud POS with an integrated mobile payments platform. Elefant was formerly a senior strategic consultant at Google in the payments group and was also managing director of Soaring Ventures, a private equity investment and strategic consulting firm.

PRESS RELEASE

Steve Elefant joins GoPago, Inc. to lead the growth in new channels and further develop GoPago LIVE, an all-in-one cloud POS with an integrated mobile payments platform.
“For more than two decades, Steve Elefant has been a leader in the payments industry. We are excited to have him leading our strategy and ISO partnerships as we build the best-in-class total cloud commerce solution,” said Leo Rocco, GoPago Founder and CEO. “Steve’s experience, knowledge and vision are exactly in line with the future of GoPago. Steve and I will work on the most robust suite of products including an mPOS, ecommerce and an open (SDK) platform.”
Mr. Elefant said, “I have looked at all of the solutions and without a doubt, GoPago has the most robust commerce platform on the market today. I look forward to working with the team as we lead this payments and Point of Sale revolution and roll out an even more comprehensive solution.”
Mr. Elefant has over 25 years experience in overall company strategy, products, end to end encryption, mobile, business development and mergers and acquisitions. Most recently, Elefant was a Senior Strategic Consultant at Google, Inc. in the Payments group. Prior to Google, Mr. Elefant was CIO of Heartland Payment Systems. Mr. Elefant has founded several successful startups, including Payment Processing Inc, ICVerify and was Managing Director of Soaring Ventures, a private equity investment and strategic consulting firm.
ABOUT GOPAGO
GoPago, Inc. is an all-in-one, ‘commerce in the cloud’ platform revolutionizing the way merchants and consumers transact. GoPago LIVE is a cloud point of sale with a fully integrated mobile payments platform that connects merchants with consumers, enabling interaction throughout the entire transaction. GoPago LIVE is delivered to merchants as a turn-key solution: all the hardware (tablet, receipt printer, cashbox, credit card reader), cloud-based software, payment processing, 4G LTE data connectivity, and a streamlined interface for mobile and in-store purchases. Merchants can access real-time data analytics straight from the tablet or via a web portal, empowering merchants to act on business insights anytime, anywhere.

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The only constant in the modern media business is chaos. We can all agree we’re in the midst of an historic and seismic shift in which all media becomes digital, but the business models, technologies, winners and losers that will define that digital era are very much up in the air.

At paidContent Live on Wednesday in New York, we’re convening some of the people most responsible for that disruption as well as those tasked with turning big media companies on a dime. That schedule includes upstarts like Chet Kanojia, founder and CEO of Aereo, who has the old broadcasting powers scrambling to quash his innovative startup in the courtroom. It involves financiers like Lerer Ventures’ Kenneth Lerer, whose firm has backed buzzy media startups like Branch and Buzzfeed. And it features publishing veterans like Andrew Sullivan, who is attempting to remake the concept of paid content.

A live stream of the event can be found here, and all of our coverage from the event will be featured below. We hope you can join us.

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Microsoft has announced the general availability of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) support for Windows Azure. The software giant also unveiled a couple of new features for IaaS meant to beef up the company’s cloud platform. Timing is interesting –Amazon’s AWS (Amazon Web Services) Summit kicks off in New York tomorrow.

Windows Azure’s IaaS support introduces the Virtual Machine and Virtual Network features, and “is now live in production, backed by an enterprise SLA, supported by Microsoft Support, and is ready to use for production apps”, according to Microsoft’s Scott Guthrie.

After officially unveiling IaaS support for the cloud platform, Bill Hilf, Microsoft’s general manager of Windows Azure Product Marketing, says that users don’t have to compromise any more. “Customers don’t want to rip and replace their current infrastructure to benefit from the cloud; they want the strengths of their on-premises investments and the flexibility of the cloud. It’s not only about Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS), it’s about Infrastructure Services and Platform Services and hybrid scenarios”.

Virtual Machine and Virtual Networks

Virtual Machine for Windows Azure is designed to give users the ability to deploy and run VMs (Virtual Machines) using Microsoft’s cloud platform, either by creating them from the image gallery (includes templates) or uploading already existent VMs.

Windows Azure’s image gallery features templates for a couple of Microsoft products, including Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server among others, and Linux-based ones such as CentOS, SUSE Linux and Ubuntu. The virtualization service used in Windows Azure is, unsurprisingly, Hyper-V which is also available as a built-in feature in Windows Server 2012.

With Virtual Networks for Windows Azure, the cloud platform’s users can take advantage of a couple of features. Users can create a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with support for stable IP addresses “even across hardware failures”, extend on-premises network to Windows Azure and treat VMs as part of the organization (supported hardware only includes Cisco and Juniper), configure custom DNS servers and deploy VMs into a virtual network.

Other Changes

Guthrie also revealed that Windows Azure now supports two new VM size options, atop of the currently available five. The first one is a four-core with 28 GB of RAM configuration (dubbed “A6”) and the second is an eight-core with 56 GB of RAM setup (dubbed “A7”), both of which can be selected from the configuration menu for VMs.

Other enhancements include an increased default OS partition size (127 GB from the previous 30 GB), the option to modify the name of the Administrator account and the enabling of PowerShell out-of-the-box.

New Pricing Strategy

Citing customer request for “low price and good performance”, Hilf touted Microsoft’s commitment to match Amazon’s AWS in price “for commodity services such as compute, storage and bandwidth”. On price reductions, Hilf also says that Virtual Machines and Cloud Services now run for 21 percent to 33 percent less than before, with general availability.

The 21 percent decrease in price is for Windows Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) and the 33 percent decrease is for “solutions deployed using our Windows Azure Cloud Services (PaaS) model”. According to Guthrie, the new prices match those of “Amazon’s on-demand VM pricing for both Windows and Linux VMs”.

Hourly rates for the A7 setup, detailed above, come in at $2.04 per hour for a Windows VM and $1.64 per hour for a Linux VM. For the A6 configuration, prices go down to $1.02 per hour for the Windows VM and $0.82 per hour for the Linux VM. By contrast, the cheapest setup, dubbed ExtraSmall, features a shared number of cores and 768 MB of RAM and runs for $0.02 per hour for both Windows VMs and Linux VMs.

“We previously quoted prices of 11.5 cents per hour for single core systems (and similar for other core configurations) and then discounted those for the preview (the discounted price was 8 cents for both Windows and Linux). With today’s announcements we are dropping the price on Windows from 11.5 to 9 cents — and the Linux price to 6 cents”, says Guthrie.

Guthrie also says that users can “take advantage of our 6 Month and 12 Month commitment plans to obtain significant discounts on the standard pay as you go rates. With a commitment plan you commit to spend a certain amount of money each month and in return we give you a discount on any Windows Azure resource you use that money on (and the more money you commit to use the bigger the discount we give)”.

Photo Credit: Novelo/Shutterstock

Indigo Group, a business advisory and private equity firm, has completed the acquisition of six quick service restaurants based in East Texas. Indigo Group secured capital for the acquisition and served as advisor to the new management group.

PRESS RELEASE

Indigo Group, LLC, a business advisory and private equity firm, announced a completed acquisition of six quick service restaurants based in East Texas. Indigo Group secured capital for the acquisition and served as advisor to the new management group.
The restaurant acquisition marks continued development for Indigo Group’s hospitality arm, which includes portfolio companies ranging from a beverage line to a wine and spirits distribution company. Indigo Group also provides integral consulting and operational advisory services for these businesses.
“This recent transaction sharpens our focus in the hospitality space,” said Tom Foley, Managing Director of Indigo Group’s Dallas office. “This industry presents unique opportunities for Indigo Group, and we’re looking to expand nationally. We’re currently sourcing more projects as well as counseling companies in order to foster smart growth. We are excited to be a part of this developing sector.”
Jonathan Shechter, Managing Director of Indigo Group based in New York, added, “We have a few short term hospitality-related targets we are looking to close in the next few months as well as some longer term projects in development. On the venture side, we remain focused on advising promising, well-positioned companies and innovative entrepreneurs in different segments and industries.”
About Indigo Group
Indigo Group is a business advisory and private equity firm, delivering strategic business advice to its clients and portfolio companies. Indigo Group is comprised of three divisions each with a focus on its respective market segment — Indigo Hospitality, Indigo Ventures, and Indigo Capital. Indigo Group’s clients and portfolio companies include start-up ventures, new and established hospitality chains and mature companies. Indigo Group’s business advisory services incorporate a comprehensive legal understanding of key business decisions, allowing clients to properly balance strategic vision, execution and risk considerations. Indigo Group offers business advisory, investment banking services, corporate risk management and through its affiliated law firm, Foley Shechter LLP, provides legal services in business and commercial legal matters, venture capital, private equity and regulatory compliance.

The post Indigo Backs Quick Service Restaurants Acquisition appeared first on peHUB.

Saphir Capital Partners has backed UK-based Molinare TV & Film Limited. Saphir will invest through the Luxembourg regulated Saphir Capital Private Equity Fund and join existing shareholders Next Wave Partners, Steve Milne, Julie Parmenter and the British Film Company who acquired the company in June 2012.

PRESS RELEASE

Saphir Capital Partners invests in Molinare, the multi-award winning London-based post production house
Molinare TV & Film Limited is very pleased to announce that Saphir Capital Partners (“Saphir”) has completed an investment into the company. Saphir, an international growth capital investor, will invest through the Luxembourg regulated Saphir Capital Private Equity Fund andjoin existing shareholders Next Wave Partners, Steve Milne, Julie Parmenter and the British Film Company who acquired the company in June 2012. Saphir’s investment will provide Molinare with additional firepower at a time when the post production market is presenting a number of opportunities.
Molinare, the Carnaby Street-based post production house first established as Molinare Sound Services in 1973 celebrates its 40th anniversary later this year. Now focused on high end Factual and Drama for Broadcast as well as Feature Film, it has worked on a wide range of successful film and television projects including Tom Hoopers ‘Kings Speech’. More recently work includes smash hit series ‘The Bible’ for Lightworkers Media, ‘Call The Midwife’ for Neal Street Productions, ‘The Hour’ for Kudos and ‘MasterChef’ for Shine as well as Dustin Hoffman’s ‘Quartet’ and Working Title’s ‘I Give It a Year’. Upcoming projects include BBC Comedy’s ‘The Wrong Mans’ and Hossein Amini’s ‘The Two Faces of January’. Molinare was named Best Post Production House at the 2012 Broadcast Awards.
Steve Milne, Executive Chairman of Molinare, commented: “In its 40th year Molinare has matured gracefully and is now in great shape. It’s been quite a journey but we love what we do. Older, wiser and with great infrastructure and powerful backers in place, the Company is now working with some of the very best creatives in the UK today and that’s exciting!”.
Julie Parmenter, Managing Director of Molinare, commented: “We are delighted that Saphir has chosen to invest in Molinare. This is an exciting time in the company’s history with significant opportunities across the TV Drama and Film markets, especially with the support of the new TV Tax Credits, timing for this investment could not be better”.
John Penning, Managing Director of Saphir, commented: “We are delighted to be investing alongside Next Wave, British Film Company, Steve and Julie, in a business with a strong brand and substantial growth potential. We are particularly pleased to be working with co-investors and entrepreneurs who share our vision on how to build a successful business for the long term.”
George Pennock and Marc Smit, Partners at Saphir, commented: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with the team and Next Wave to take advantage of Molinare’s track record and strategic position in the post production market, and to enable it to realise its considerable potential over the years ahead.”
George Pennock will join the board of Molinare as a non-executive Director.
Jonathan Brod, Managing Partner and Dean MacKenzie, Investment Director of Next Wave Partners, commented:“We are very pleased to welcome Saphir on board. They have continued to show a strong interest in the company and look forward to further developing

The post Saphir Capital Partners Backs Molinare TV & Film appeared first on peHUB.

BPCE has completed the sale of Meilleurtaux.com to funds managed by Equistone Partners Europe Limited. Founded in 1999, Meilleurtaux.com is a provider of advice to consumers looking for mortgage solutions.

PRESS RELEASE

BPCE today announces the completion of the sale of its 100% holding in Meilleurtaux.com (“the Company”) to funds managed by Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equistone”). Founded in 1999, Meilleurtaux.com is a leading provider of advice to consumers looking for mortgage solutions.

BPCE entered into exclusive discussions with Equistone on 18 February 2013 regarding the sale of Meilleurtaux.com. The deal is in line with BCPE’s strategic plan to dispose of joint ventures and non-core subsidiaries.

The sale process, which has been favourably received by the various bodies representing Meilleurtaux.com’s employees, was completed on 16 April 2013.

Equistone is a mid-market investment firm which partners with management teams to support buyouts of high-performing businesses with growth potential and leading market positions. For Equistone, Meilleurtaux.com represents a dynamic, high-profile business with significant potential for further development.

Guillaume Jacqueau, Managing Partner of Equistone Partners Europe, commented: “Equistone has been active in the French market for over twenty years and has been involved with a significant number of businesses at all stages of their development.

“Whilst real estate accounts for a major portion of French people’s budgets, currently only 20% of the French population use brokers and this is set to increase. With its high-profile brand and a network of over 160 franchise offices, Meilleurtaux.com is ideally placed to benefit from this potential for growth.”
Meilleurtaux.com’s management team is pleased with the outcome of the deal and will continue to lead the business following the strategy in place since 2011. The business is well placed for growth and has maintained stable financial results with net growth in 2012.

Hervé Hatt, CEO of Meilleurtaux.com, added: “We are delighted that Equistone has chosen to support Meilleurtaux.com’s growth and current business strategy. Equistone’s partnership will enable the business to continue to provide its customers with the expert, independent support that they need in this uncertain economic climate.”

François Pérol, Chairman of the Management Board of BPCE, commented: “Meilleurtaux.com is well placed to continue its growth with an acquirer which is convinced of the Company’s development potential, and which will support the experienced management team that has successfully led the development of the company.”

Advisers:
Lawyers for the transaction: SJBerwin (Thomas Maitrejean, Augustin Fleytoux)
Strategic due diligence: Roland Berger (Philippe Removille, Ciril Faïa, Benjamin Entraygues)
Financial due diligence: 8-Advisory (Lionel Gérard, Christian Klingler, Hicham Ezzahiri)
Legal due diligence: Racine (Mélanie Coiraton-Mavré)
Adviser to management: Callisto (Eric Delorme, Paul Lorenzoni)
Legal Counsel: Jeantet (Nicolas Partouche, Guillaume Fornier)
Corporate banking: HSBC (Philippe Diers, Eric Emore)
Financial due diligence: KPMG (Raphaël Jacquemart)

About Groupe BPCE:
Groupe BPCE, France’s second-largest banking group, is built on two autonomous and complementary networks of commercial banks: the 19 Banques Populaires and the 17 Caisses d’Epargne. In the field of property loans, the Group also includes Crédit Foncier de France. Through its subsidiary Natixis, it is a major player in investment banking, asset management and financial services. Groupe BPCE has over 36 million customers and enjoys a widespread presence in France with 8,000 branches, 117,000 employees and over 8.6 million cooperative members.

About Equistone:
Equistone Partners Europe Limited is an independent investment firm owned and managed by the former executives of Barclays Private Equity. In January 2013, Equistone successfully completed the final closing of Equistone Partners Europe Fund IV with total capital commitments of €1.5bn. The Company is one of Europe’s leading investors in mid-market buyouts with a successful track record spanning over 30 years, with more than 350 transactions completed in this period. Equistone has a strong focus on change of ownership deals and aims to invest between €25m and €125m of equity in businesses with enterprise values of between €50m and €300m. The Company has a team of 35 investment professionals operating across France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, investing as a strategic partner alongside management teams. Equistone Partners Europe Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For further information, please visit www.equistonepe.com

About Meilleurtaux:
Meilleurtaux has been providing advice to consumers looking for mortgages since its foundation in 1999. It puts them in touch with banks which are likely to provide the best financing solution for their needs, in terms of interest rates, payment protection insurance, etc. Meilleurtaux’s range of services has expanded to cover other types of loans as well as insurance.

Meilleurtaux press contact
Sandrine Allonier: 01 41 97 98 67
[email protected]
www.meilleurtaux.com

BPCE press contacts
Sabine Baudin: 01 58 40 47 62
Sonia Dilouya: 01 58 40 58 57
[email protected] – www.bpce.fr

@GroupeBPCE
Equistone press contacts
Kablé Communication Finance
Catherine Kablé: 01 44 50 54 75
[email protected]
Céline Pasqualini: 01 44 50 54 73
[email protected]

College Hill: +44 (0)207 457 2020
Antonia Coad: [email protected]
Zinka Bozovic: [email protected]

Antonia Coad | Associate Partner
D +44 (0)20 7457 2023
M +44 (0)7790 907771

The Registry | Royal Mint Court | London EC3N 4QN | UK
T +44 20 7457 2020 | F +44 20 7866 7900

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arc Asset Management, an independent management company specialized in creating and managing collective investment vehicles for SMEs and RVC InfraFund, an investment fund, established by Russian Venture Capital and SME Bank, have launched ISAM Fund SICAV-SIF. The goal of the fund is to foster transfer of technology and know-how between Italian and Russian SMEs.

PRESS RELEASE

arc Asset Management, an independent management company specialized in creating and managing Collective Investment Vehicles for SMEs, and RVC InfraFund, an investment fund, established by Russian Venture Capital and SME Bank, have launched ISAM Fund, SICAV-SIF aiming to invest into companies with a strong potential for international growth.

ISAM Fund’s goal is to foster transfer of technology and know-how between Russia and Italy, to open new markets for European, in particular to Italian, and Russian SMEs.

arc A.M. and InfraFund have joint their competencies to help SMEs, which play a crucial role in developing the economy and in creating employment, in need of additional capital to grow their international presence.

ISAM Fund will provide for a commitment of 100 million euro for equity investments into SMEs.

ISAM Fund’s portfolio companies will access new capital, expand internationally, undergo management improvement through professionalization and integration of family/managerial models and gain further product and market diversification.

Italy has a significant number of SMEs with a recognized and established know-how and made in Italy brand and competencies in need of new partnerships to strengthen their international presence and further expansion. Russia, bridge between Europe and Asia, has high growth potentials, natural resources and technical competences, needs to expand the SME segment improve the country’s industrial ranking globally by further fostering entrepreneurship (also within younger generations of entrepreneurs).

ISAM Fund aims to combine strategic skills and needs of both countries to create better opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Angelo Lazzari, CEO of arc A.M and founder of ISAM commented “The Joint Venture between arc Asset Management and InfraFund RVC is based on shared values and perspectives, the importance of which is not simply on the returns in financial terms. It’s important to stress that both Russian and European companies will benefit from this agreement, which will also strengthen the development of Russian- Italian economic cooperation.

Michael Ievenko, Investment manager of InfraFund says «Our company creates new opportunity for Russian technology companies to enter international markets and get access to European knowhow and best practices. Combined with growing demand of Russian economy for innovations and intention of European companies to expand their operations abroad it helps to build new integration points for technology markets.

ISAM Fund will invest in Russian and European, in particular Italian, SMEs with a unique approach which combines a typical private equity approach with an entrepreneurial setting, encouraging the creation of a NewCo in Russia or in Europe to satisfy domestic demand with local production and foster local entrepreneurship.

Strengthened by this mission, ISAM Fund offers investors two different investment vehicles, equity ISAM FUND SIF SMEs/PE) and bonds (ISAM FUND SIF SME/BOND). These two options offer different risk-return-ratio, to guarantee portfolio diversification and the creation of value.

UBI International, fourth Italian Bank Group, is the Depositary Bank in Luxembourg.

arc Asset Management is an independent management company, with headquarters in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, specialized in creating and managing Collective Investment Vehicles. The company is endowed with the European Passport to render its services in every country that has acknowledged the UCITS Directive.

arc Asset Management is a harmonized wealth management company offering its services to any country within the European Community. Its absolute independence from any banking, insurance or financial Group is a guarantee of high level services – free from any conflict of interest.

In 2011 arc AM has launched True Energy Fund through its Luxemburgish SICAV, IRIS SICAF-SIF.

RVC InfraFund–Infrastructural Investments of RVC (Russian Venture Capital) was launched on 24 January 2011 by RVC and SME Bank (Russian Bank for Small and Medium Enterprises Support) a subsidiary bank owned by VEB – VneshEconomBank , Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs.

RVC InfraFund plays a key role in the development of «soft» infrustracture and entrepreneurial learning for the technology focused SME segment domestically and abroad.

RVC, a government fund of funds and a development institute of the Russian Federation established on June 7, 2006, has the mission to stimulate the venture capital industry and to enhance development through the support of industrial and infrastructural services in the country, in order to increase international investors’ interest in the country. Through RVC, the Russian government intends to support its national innovation system.

SME Bank has been implementing the state SME Lend­ing Support Program since 2004, and acts as the conduit of government funding for SMEs throughout Russia.

Lucia Langella-Rahn
Head of UK Media and Investor Relations

[email protected]

ARC Asset Management
111, Avenue de la Faiencerie
L-1511 Luxembourg
Phone +352 26 360983
Fax +352 26 360984
Mob +44 (0) 7786 070 301

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Springfield Homecare Services, part of Springfield Healthcare Group, has completed the acquisition of Positive Life Choices, a domiciliary care business based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Springfield Homecare is a provider of domiciliary care in Yorkshire and Humberside and is backed by Business Growth Fund.

PRESS RELEASE

Business Growth Fund (BGF) backed Springfield Homecare Services Ltd, part of Springfield Healthcare Group, has completed the acquisition of Positive Life Choices (PLC), a domiciliary care business based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Springfield Homecare is one of the largest independent providers of domiciliary care in Yorkshire and Humberside.
PLC represents the first acquisition that Springfield has made using BGF capital.
Springfield financed the acquisition following two investments totaling £4.4 million, which were made by BGF in June 2012.
The deal will add approximately 2,000 hours of care to Springfield Homecare, which gives the business a new presence in the North East and strong relationships with a number of new local authorities. It also increases the number of employees in Springfield Homecare to over 800 and turnover of the overall Group to greater than £13 million per annum.
The acquisition will allow Springfield to submit a variety of local authority tenders to get approval onto new framework agreements and also offers the potential to expand PLC’s services into Durham, Sunderland, Stockton, Northumberland and other neighbouring areas.
Based in the outskirts of the city centre to the north east of Newcastle, PLC specialises in the provision of care services to individuals with learning disabilities (LD) and currently covers Newcastle, Gateshead and Darlington. PLC also provides care services to older people, those with physical disabilities, mental health problems and sensory impairments and works within the supported living, domiciliary and respite care sectors.
The company was founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Ian and Amanda Dickinson and has grown steadily, employing 90 staff with a turnover of approximately £1 million per annum.
Of BGF’s total £4.4 million investment, £1.47 million has already been used to fund the development of The Grange Care Village in Seacroft, Leeds, which is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2013.
Graeme Lee, founder and CEO of Springfield Healthcare commented:
“I am delighted to announce our acquisition of Positive Life Choices. This marks the start of an exciting period of growth into the North East for Springfield Home Care, alongside its existing progress within Yorkshire and Humberside.
“BGF’s funding is enabling us to source similar excellent opportunities across Yorkshire and the North East where we can invest quickly, professionally and in alignment with existing management teams.”
Richard Taylor of BGF commented:
“We’d like to congratulate Graeme Lee and Amanda Dickinson on the completion of this acquisition, which is a significant milestone for Springfield’s growth plan.
“For businesses determined to grow quickly, a strategic acquisition can be a transformative moment. However buying another company requires deep pockets and the experience to integrate two organisations in a way that realises their combined potential. Some growing companies have the ambition to expand this way, but lack the means to do it.
“Funding also remains a major challenge for businesses with an acquisition target in mind – even if bank debt is available, it may not be the best way to finance the deal. In practice, equity capital is far less restrictive than bank debt, where the borrower is subsequently required to perform to very tightly defined criteria.
“BGF growth capital is well suited to supporting growth through acquisition and it is a key area where we can offer support to business owners.”
-Ends-
Contacts:
Emily Weston, Equity Dynamics – 07825 326 442
[email protected]
Notes to editors:
About Springfield Healthcare Group:
Springfield Healthcare Group is a Care Home operator and one of the largest independent providers of domiciliary care in Yorkshire and Humberside. Led by Yorkshire based Group CEO, Graeme Lee, Springfield was established in 1967 as a single family-run care home and has since grown steadily ever since. Springfield now provides care to nearly 2,000 clients each day and will employ over 1,000 staff by the end of the year.
About Business Growth Fund:
Business Growth Fund has been established to help Britain’s growing smaller and medium sized businesses. Growth potential is the key criteria. BGF will invest between £2m and £10m per business in return for a minority equity stake and a seat on the board for a BGF director. BGF will provide long-term equity investment for those growing companies that today do not have access to this source of capital. As such BGF hopes to be a catalyst for growth among smaller UK companies.
BGF is an independent company with capital of up to £2.5 billion, backed by five of the UK’s main banking groups – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS, and Standard Chartered. BGF is managed completely autonomously with an independent management team.
BGF is one of a range of initiatives designed to forge a new relationship between the banking sector and UK businesses, and BGF works in close collaboration with the British Bankers’ Association as well as other key business organisations across the UK.
Key facts and figures:
80 people at 7 offices across six UK regions
Approx. £130 million of growth capital invested in 25 companies from 17 sectors
3,364 currently people employed by BGF backed companies
Targeting investment of c £200 million in 2013
More than money for investee businesses, for example BGF has placed 17 highly experienced non-executive chairman and non-executives.

The post BGF’s Springfield Homecare Services Acquires Positive Life Choices appeared first on peHUB.

HgCapital has announced a final close of its latest private equity fund, HgCapital 7. The 2 billion ($3.06 billion) pound fund will provide broad coverage of the Northern European mid-market through its four sector teams, dedicated portfolio management group, and investment offices in London and Munich.

PRESS RELEASE

HgCapital today announces the 15 April 2013 final closing of its latest private equity fund, HgCapital 7. The £2 billion fund will provide broad coverage of the Northern European mid-market through its four sector teams, dedicated portfolio management group, and investment offices in London and Munich.

Prior to the launch, HgCapital set the hard cap at £2 billion in accordance with its investment strategy, diversification targets and capacity to invest and manage its portfolio to achieve optimised returns for investors. HgCapital maintained this hard cap despite the fund being significantly over-subscribed.

HgCapital 7 is supported by a number of the industry’s most respected institutional and private investors. The fund’s commitments are well diversified by geography, investor type and commitment size, with the largest commitment coming from HgCapital Trust plc with a £200 million investment in the fund.

Craig Donaldson, Partner and Head of Business Strategy and Client Services said: “We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from investors and we are thankful that our clients have helped position us for success. Ultimately, HgCapital 7 will be measured not by its fundraising success, but rather the returns generated for our clients.”

Proskauer LLP provided legal advice and Credit Suisse Group advised on the fundraising.

– Ends –

For further details:

HgCapital
Craig Donaldson
+44 (0)20 7089 7926
Maitland
Peter Ogden
+44 (0)20 7379 5151

About HgCapital

HgCapital is a sector focused private equity investor in the European mid-market. We focus on investments with an enterprise value in the range of £20-£500 million. Our business model combines sector specialisation with dedicated, pro-active support to our portfolio companies as well as ample resource across all phases of the investment process.

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If you’ve spent some time exploring the world of free PC paint programs, then you’ll know that most of them look much like any other application. There are menus here, ribbons there, toolbars, flyouts — it’s all very familiar, if not particularly likely to inspire your creativity.

The OpenGL-based SpeedyPainter, though, takes a different approach. It strips the interface down to the basics, reducing all the usual distractions to the absolute minimum, and instead concentrates on delivering a clean, simple and straightforward painting experience.

At first glance this may look just too limited. The program arrives in the form of a 1.87 MB download, for instance, so you probably won’t be expecting the longest of feature lists. And the opening interface doesn’t exactly look polished; it’s just a few buttons, sliders and other controls, scattered around the edge of the painting area.

Get started, though, and you’ll find SpeedyPainter offers far more capabilities than you might expect. Wacom tablet support means you can vary stroke size and opacity with your pen pressure, for instance. A versatile color picker can pop up at your cursor position for quick and easy access. There are rotate, flip and crop tools; you get layer support and a selection tool; there’s even a perspective grid overlay to help you produce more realistic images.

These tools have plenty of functionality, too. So you could just draw a crop rectangle and apply it, just as you’d expect. But you can also rotate it, or pan the image underneath, to help you select the exact area you need. (And just wait until you see what you can do with the Perspective Grid…)

But this is rarely, if ever confusing, because as you choose individual options, so the program will display simple on-screen prompts to explain what you can do. While more detailed help on the various hotkeys is only ever a click away.

And once your masterpiece is complete, SpeedyPainter won’t just save the image. It also captures each stroke as you work, and can export the results as an AVI file (480p, 720p, 1080p), a great way to see how the picture was produced. Don’t take our word for it: browse the official gallery and see for yourself.

Photo Credit: Galushko Sergey/Shutterstock