Iris Dorbian
Feihe International Inc has closed its previously announced acquisition of Vitamin World, a retailer of vitamins and supplements in the U.S. No financial terms were disclosed. Vitamin World, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, was backed by Centre Lane Partners.
Akron, Ohio-based FirstEnergy Corp, an energy company, has secured $2.5 billion in equity financing. The investors included Elliott Management Corp, Bluescape, GIC and Zimmer Partners LP. Moelis & Company LLC provided financial advice on the transaction.
Greenwich, Connecticut-based Brynwood Partners, a private equity firm focused on lower middle market companies in the consumer products sector, has closed its eighth fund at $649 million. Locke Lord LLP provided legal counsel for the fund. In 2013, Brynwood raised $420 million for its seventh fund.
TPG Growth-managed The Rise Fund has named Anand Mahindra to its founders board. Mahindra is a chairman of Mahindra Group.
Restaurant chain California Pizza Kitchen, a portfolio company of Golden Gate Capital, has named Jim Hyatt as CEO. His appointment becomes effective immediately. Hyatt is the former CEO of Ruby Tuesday.
First Read begins the week with news that Yahoo Finance launches an alternative to credit cards, GE has its worst week since the Great Recession, and Toshiba is considering an IPO for its chip memory unit.
Cortec Group has recapitalized Richmond, Virginia-based Groome Holdings LLC, a specialty ground transportation provider. No financial terms were disclosed. Harris Williams & Co. served as financial adviser to Groome on the transaction with Williams Mullen providing legal advice. And, Paul Hastings LLP served as legal adviser to Cortec. TwinBrook Capital Partners, Capital One N.A. Sponsor Finance and NewStar Financial provided the senior debt to back the recapitalization.
Second Opinion closes out the week with news that Lincoln Financial is buying Liberty Life Assurance Co for $3.3 billion, two bitcoin traders are charged with fraud and the government will shut down tomorrow if lawmakers don't agree on a spending bill.
Chesapeake Eye Care Company LLC, a portfolio company of Centre Partners, has formed One Vision Eye Partners, a medical and surgical ophthalmology platform in the Mid-Atlantic region. No financial terms were disclosed.
GPB Capital Holdings has acquired Jacksonville, Florida-based MatrixOneSource, a provider of professional employer organization services to small and medium-sized businesses. No financial terms were disclosed.