August 8 - 2011   South American Partners, an affiliate of Credit Suisse Group (CS, CSGN.VX), has decided to spin off as an independent firm once its debut private-equity fund is done with its investment period, said people familiar with the situation. The new firm will be called Victoria Capital Partners, these people said. The move by the team to become an independent group is being done in part to attain more of the profits and expand the firm. Presently, Credit Suisse owns 49% of DLJ South American Partners; the management team holds a 51% stake. It was agreed that Credit Suisse will hold a reduced stake of 24.9% in the new firm, one person familiar with the situation said. The Swiss bank invested at least $25 million in the firm's debut fund, DLJ South American Partners LP, which wrapped up at $300 million in 2008. [...]

June 28 - 2011 Brazilian watchmaker Technos prices on Tuesday an initial public offering within the suggested price range, as recent turmoil in global financial markets prevented the company from fetching a higher value for its stock. The Rio de Janeiro-based company and shareholders raised a total 460 million reais ($291 million) through the sale of the 27.9 million common shares on offer at a price of 16.50 reais each, according to a filing with Brazilian securities regulators. The price came at the bottom of the suggested price tag of 16.50 reais and 20.50 reais, according to the filing. The deal comes as other IPOs this year have failed to draw strong interest from foreign investors -- traditionally the main buyers of new equity listings in Brazil -- due to growing risk aversion, the difficulty of comparing new issues with existing ones a perceived glut [...]