Three Ocean Partners, the latest investment banking boutique from David Knowlton, officially launched yesterday although it already has several assignments.

The New York IB will advise on M&A, corporate finance solutions, restructurings and financings. Three Ocean, like its larger rivals Harris Williams and Moelis & Co. , will not have a lending, trading or research arm.

However, the IB will have a merchant banking division that will allow the firm to co-invest alongside clients. Three Ocean will split its practice between private equity and corporate sponsors, says Knowlton, who is managing partner. The IB will focus on consumer products, retail, luxury consumer, industrial, business services, FIG and media, he says.

Sbarro, which is no longer backed by MidOcean Partners, has successfully come out of bankruptcy.

Late Monday, the quick service restaurant said it had emerged from Chapter 11 with significantly reduced debt and a $35 million capital infusion. “Our reorganization plan eliminates more than 70 percent of our debt, and provides access to $35 million in fresh capital from our new ownership group,” said Nicholas McGrane, Sbarro’s interim president and CEO, in a statement.

The New York-based private equity firm MidOcean Partners has acquired Global Knowledge, a Cary, N.C.-based company that annually provides business training to more than 250,000 people within companies and government organizations via training centers and the Internet. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. PRESS RELEASE: MidOcean Partners (“MidOcean”), a leading private equity firm, announced [...]

Two restaurant companies owned by Sun Capital Partners Inc. recently filed for bankruptcy, highlighting the risks for the many sponsors that have bought into the cyclical sector in recent months, Buyouts reports in its upcoming issue. Friendly’s Ice Cream Corp. and Real Mex Restaurants Inc. filed for bankruptcy within days of each other, citing a [...]

Here’s a funny thing about investors that back firearms makers and parts suppliers: even if they agree with everything Texas Gov. Rick Perry says, the last thing any of them want is the Republican to win the White House next November. It would be terrible for business. Perry is as likely to back increased restrictions [...]

Pizza chain Sbarro Inc. has reached an agreement with creditors allowing it to attempt to sell itself out of bankruptcy, Reuters reported. The company is slated to seek court approval for its plans on September 26. Lenders include MidOcean Partners III LP and Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund II LP.

MidOcean Partners, the Kansas private equity firm that runs Bushnell Outdoor Products, a maker of eyewear and outdoor accessories, bought California-based Night Optics USA, which makes night vision and thermal technologies products. Night Optics USA was represented by Mergers & Business Acquisitions, Inc.

Private equity firm MidOcean Partners will acquire the South Beach Diet Brand partnership with its founder, Dr. Arthur Agatston. Specifics of the deal were not publicized. Under PE management, South Beach will launch a series of new products. South Beach Diet will be headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida.

The New York-based investment firm Prospect Capital announced today that it has made a secured second lien investment of $39 million to support the recapitalization of Totes Isotoner, a company controlled by affiliates of MidOcean Partners and Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., LLC. Totes Isotoner, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, makes and distributes “functional” accessories, including [...]

The New York-based private equity firm MidOcean Partners has completed its acquisition of Pre-Paid Legal Services for $66.50 per share, in a deal valued at roughly $650 million. Pre-Paid Legal, based in Ada, Oklahoma, provides affordable legal services to families and small businesses. PRESS RELEASE: NEW YORK—June 30, 2011 – MidOcean Partners (“MidOcean”), a leading [...]