Suzanne Weinstock

The Latin American real estate market does not move in lock step. As the wave of investment in Mexico begins to ebb, capital is moving into Brazil, Argentina and other markets. PERE Magazine March 2009 issue

The New York-based private equity firm’s latest fundraising efforts bring Blackstone’s total dry powder for private equity to $13bn. Reporting a $193.6m fourth quarter loss, Blackstone said it remains focused on investing in non-cyclical industries.

The debt-laden REIT says it is examining its future, including potential bankruptcy protection, as it struggles to refinance billions of debt in a stalled refinancing market. The REIT is reportedly in default on loans secured by two malls in Las Vegas, including the Fashion Show Mall.

An increase in US deal flow is dependent on the credit markets even as private equity firms are bullish on valuations, according to Ernst & Young.

The death of the BCE deal marks the end of one cycle but signals hope for another, writes Suzanne Weinstock.

Publicly listed energy producer Reliant Energy has concluded the termination of a $350m agreement for a sale of stock to the energy specialist. Reliant also called off a $650m loan agreement with Goldman Sachs.

The mortgage and auto lender has extended the deadline of its tender offers as a last ditch effort to meet the capital requirement of $30bn.

The Robert Bass-founded private equity firm is nearing its $4bn fundraising target and expects a final close in February.

In a worrying sign for a major LBO deal, the semiconductor company, bought out by a constortium of private equity investors for $17.6bn two years ago, has chosen to service a portion of its debt through in-kind securities in order to preserve cash.

The buyout firm has partnered with CMS Computers to spin out two of its divisions into a new company with Blackstone as the majority owner.