Firm and Fund

Apax Partners is planning to open an office in Mumbai by November, according to The Economic Times of India.

Canterbury Park Capital of Winnipeg has raised approximately C$150 million for its inaugural private equity fund, with a final close slated for later this year. The firm will focus on buyout and expansion equity opportunities in small- to mid-market Canadian companies.

CGS Management of Switzerland has held a SwF65 million first closing on its second private equity fund. The fund target is SwF150 million, with an investment focus on small and mid-cap buyouts in European countries like Switzerland and Germany.

Cooley Godward LLP has agreed to merge with New York-based Kronish Lieb Weiner & Hellman LLP. The name of the combined 550-attorney firm will be Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, with the merger becoming effective on October 1.

Court Square Capital has closed on over $1 billion for its $2.5 billion-targeted inaugural fund, according to a regulatory filing. The New York-based buyout firm was recently formed by former Citigroup Venture Capital chief William Comfort, and also includes former Citigroup pros like Joseph Silvestri, Ian Highet and David Thomas. UBS Securities and Nikko Cordial Securities are serving as placement agents.

CVC Capital Partners has asked a majority of its executive assistants to resign over alleged misuse of corporate frequent flier miles, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

HealthPoint Capital is raising up to $500 million for its second private equity fund, according to a regulatory filing. The New York-based firm focuses on the global orthopedic device industry.

Benson Elliot Capital Management of London has held a €335 million final close on its inaugural fund, which will focus on lower-middle-market European real estate. Probitas Partners served as placement agent.

Jahangir Siddiqui Group, a Pakistani financial services company, has held a $70 million first close on its inaugural private equity fund. Limited partners include the International Finance Corp. (World Bank), SAMBA Financial Group of Saudi Arabia, DCD Group and Global Investment House of Kuwait.

Marathon Acquisition Corp., a New York-based blank check acquisition company, priced 37.5 million units at $8 per unit, for an IPO take of approximately $300 million. Citigroup served as lead underwriter, and the company will trade on the AMEX under ticker symbol MAQ. Marathon is being run by former Apollo Investment Corp. chief Michael Gross, while directors include former Vail Resorts CEO Adam Aron and Jarden Corp. CEO Martin Franklin.

New York Life Investment Management is raising up to $600 million for its second mezzanine fund, according to a regulatory filing. It already has secured $417.5 million in capital commitments.

Nord Holdings of Germany says that it is planning to raise €250 million for its second private equity fund-of-funds.

RCP Advisors has held a $140 million first close on its fourth private equity fund-of-funds, which is targeting $225 million ($300 million hard cap).

The New Jersey State Investment Council has approved a $50 million commitment to Lehman Crossroads Fund XVIII, which is targeting $750 million. It also approved a $50 million commitment to Gleacher Mezzanine Partners II.

Thelen Reid & Priest LLP has opened an office in Shanghai.

Thomas H. Lee Partners has received a limited partner commitment from Bear Stearns, as part of its sixth fund-raising effort.

Wells Fargo Securities has agreed to acquire Los Angeles-based Barrington Associates. No financial terms were disclosed for the deal, which is expected to close in Q4.