BGF, has invested £6 million in world-renowned global animation studio, Snipple, to support its ambitious growth plans to develop its own IP and content. BGF will take a minority share in Snipple.  Under the leadership of London based CEO Kaine Pate, Snipple Animation has worked consistently with some of the biggest broadcast networks globally, including Netflix, Warner Bros, Disney, Dreamworks and Nickelodeon.  Its portfolio of animation work boasts a variety of family favourites, such as Where’s Waldo, Dora And Friends, Into the City, Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, Ducktales, Be Cool Scooby Doo and Phineas and Ferb, amongst others.

Angelini Pharma, an international pharmaceutical company which is a part of the private Italian Angelini Group – and Arvelle Therapeutics, a Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative treatments to patients suffering from CNS disorders, has announced that they have concluded a definitive merger agreement under which Angelini Pharma will acquire Arvelle Therapeutics in an all cash transaction for a total aggregate valuation of up to $960 million. Following regulatory approval, $610M will be paid.  Subsequently, and subject to cenobamate reaching certain revenue targets, a further $350M will be paid.

JP Morgan analysis shows that 2020 saw the largest ever outperformance of the FTSE All Share by Investment Companies 

Blackstone Resources AG has announced that Current Direct, a new research and innovation project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program, will revolutionize the way we move goods and people by water. The vast majority of water transport in Europe is propelled by dirty, noisy diesel engines. By cutting the cost of today’s marine battery electric drivetrains in half and relieving ship owners of the burden of capital expense, Current Direct will enable rapid adoption to reduce greenhouse emissions by 482.000 MT of CO2 equivalents per year.

GIBIE Home Furnishings Ltd. today concluded its pilot equity crowd funding campaign on CrowdCube platform. In this campaign, GIBIE has raised a £158,000 pounds in just 30 days, overshooting its initially set target by staggering 300%. The campaign received an exciting participation from 350+ investors across 30+ countries.

Funds advised by Hilltop Credit Partners, a specialist funding partner for SME residential developers, have completed a £15m loan to Gage Properties for the acquisition and development of 9 units within the reputable Taplow Riverside development by Berkeley Homes in South Bucks.

Private equity firm WestBridge has promoted three members of its team as it prepares for another successful year.

The issue of startup diversity is well documented. According to the HMRC, only nine per cent of early-stage funding goes to businesses with a female founder and only 35 per cent is invested into businesses outside of the London and South East ‘bubble.’

Mayfair Equity Partners, the leading tech and consumer growth investor, has announced the management buy-out of Seraphine, the premium maternity and nursing brand, valuing the company at around £50 million. Mayfair, along with management, has acquired the company from Bridgepoint Growth and entrepreneur founder Cécile Reinaud.

Pacific Current Group Limited, a global multi-boutique asset management firm, has entered into an agreement to purchase a minority stake in Astarte Capital Partners LLP.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Edinburgh-based business angel investment syndicate, Archangels, led investments of £16.3m in promising Scottish start-up and early stage companies in 2020, topping its 2019 total of £13.4m by 22%.

Superfast wireless broadband provider Wildanet has secured £50m investment, which will allow the company to continue to expand its broadband network across Cornish communities and create up to 98 new jobs. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) portfolio company has secured funding from the Gresham House British Strategic Investment Infrastructure Fund LP (BSIF).  Wildanet was established in 2017 by Ian Calvert, with the ambition to establish a high-tech, low-hassle, fast broadband solution for hard-to-reach rural areas which would guarantee broadband speeds.