Fund news in brief

American Capital has launched American Capital Equity III. The private equity fund will invest in companies in the lower middle market. The Private Fund Group of Credit Suisse is serving as the exclusive placement agent. Kirkland & Ellis is serving as lead counsel to American Capital.

Ardian, the former AXA Private Equity, has raised 70 million euros ($97 million) for its SME fund, Ardian Croissance Fund, which will focus on small and midsize enterprises centered on France and continental Europe, targeting investments up to 10 million euros. According to the firm, the majority of the pool’s LPs are European investors.

Toronto-based Clairvest Group has raised $518 million in the first close of its fifth fund. The target is $500 million and the hard cap is $600 million.

Cypress Growth Capital has closed its second royalty-based growth capital fund, CGC Royalty Investments II LP. The $50 million fund secured capital commitments from a family office investor group, all of whom participated in the firm’s prior royalty-based fund.

Harbert European Growth Capital Fund, an alternative investment fund sponsored by Harbert Management Corp, has raised approximately 93 million euros ($128 million) in its most recent close. The fund is targeting 200 million euros and is slated to hold its final close in December.

OFS Energy Fund has completed a one-and-done closing on its third private equity fund. The vehicle was oversubscribed at its $175 million hard cap.

Tulsa-based Omega Capital Management has launched its maiden private equity fund. The firm will acquire or invest in profitable, growing companies in Oklahoma and surrounding states. The fund was oversubscribed and closed at its hard cap of $30 million.

TriGuard Management has held a first and final close on its sixth multi-niche secondary fund, Montauk TriGuard Fund VI, on $500 million. The fund beat its $400 million target.