Firms & Funds

Atlanta Equity Partners has secured over $53 million in capital commitments for its debut fund, which is targeting between $100 million and $125 million. The firm is managed by former Georgia-Pacific Corp. CEO A.D. “Pete” Correll and private equity vet David Crosland, who previously ran U.S. operations for Arcapita Corp. It will focus on small and middle-market buyouts opportunities in the Southeastern United States.

Dewey Ballantine LLP and LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP formally merged their law firms on October 1. The combined organization will operate as Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, and will feature more than 1,300 attorneys in 12 countries.

Evercore Partners is planning to raise between $800 million and $1 billion for its third buyout fund, according to LBO Wire. The New York-based firm closed its second fund in 2003 with $663 million.

Housatonic Partners has closed its fourth fund with $250 million in capital commitments. The firm focused on buyout or recaps of small- to mid-sized media and communications companies, and has offices in both Boston and San Francisco.

KPMG Corporate Finance as acquired substantially all of the assets of Keen, a Long Island-based private real estate firm that advises and sells excess assets, real estate and lease portfolios. Keen also provides real estate financing and sale leaseback services for both healthy and distressed companies. No financial terms were disclosed. Keen president Harold Bordwin and Keen executive vice president Matthew Bordwin will lead the new group within KPMG, as managing directors.

Morgan Stanley has raised $1.5 billion for its third Asia-focused private equity fund.

Quad Partners is raising up to $150 million for its second fund, according to a regulatory filing. It already has secured over $47 million. The New York-based firm focuses on private equity investments in the education industry, and previously received LP commitments from such groups as Auda, CMS Companies, Goldman Sachs, HarbourVest, Landmark Partners, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Partners Group and others.

Thomas Weisel Partners has agreed to acquire Westwind Partners, an independent investment bank focused on the energy and mining sectors.

Yes Bank of India plans to launch four private equity funds within the next two years, according to Reuters. The initiative will include an infrastructure fund ($550m-$750m), a real estate fund ($250m-$350m), a distressed asset fund ($250m-$350m) and a fund for socially responsible investments ($150m).