Jennifer Harris

Catalyst Investors has closed its second buyout fund and a UK co-investment vehicle on $170 million, below their initial target of $250 million.

Gordon Brothers’ private equity arm has sold specialty retailer Spencer’s Gifts to ACON Investments after streamlining its business and redesigning its stores.

The newly formed lobbying group has released its first white paper in defence of private equity, coinciding with the first day of the Senate Finance Committee’s hearings on the taxation of carried interest.

The two private equity firms have agreed to buy publicly traded Penn National Gaming, which owns 18 facilities in 14 US states.

Joan Solotar, previously managing director and director of equity research at Bank of America Securities, will manage relations with Blackstone’s public investors.