The one sure fact about the next downturn is that it will be different from the last one. The International Equity Team ask which sectors really are defensive.

Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners, an investment team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, has closed the unit’s latest investment fund, the Riverview Strategic Opportunities Fund III with over $500 million in commitments. The fundraise saw robust interest from both institutional and high net worth investors with the raise being completed within a few weeks. The Fund is an opportunistic hedge fund solution focused on hedge fund secondaries and co-investments.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the August 2018 Mid-Month Commentary.

What does Morgan Stanley’s International Equity Team mean by high-quality global equities with strong intangible assets?

Jim Caron provides his review of the second quarter of 2018 and his outlook on market opportunities.

In this article, Swanand Kelkar discusses the trend that the Indian household, over the next few years, will increasingly lever itself up and spend on consumption.

Market environments always change, sometimes violently. The International Equity Team asks: is this the end of the world as we know it?

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how U.S. assets and the USD have driven performance year-to-date, but how some key macro trends are expected to drive performance for the rest of the year.

Jim Caron appeared on CNBC Santelli Exchange to discuss rising consumer prices and yield curve flattening.

The IM Sustainable Investing Council drives IM’s global effort by promoting an overall framework for integrating ESG and ESG standards into IM’s investment processes, product development, measurement, education, client engagement and reporting.

The Global Fixed Income Team discusses why the yield curve is flattening and why they are not overly worried about it.

In his featured article Built for Change: Shifting From Beta to Alpha, Jim Caron discusses the new era of rising interest rates and how it is causing fixed income managers across the world to rethink how they invest.

The Indian Equity team discuss the implications of macro data on portfolio construction and their stock picking approach.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the June 2018 Monthly Commentary.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “Renminbi: End of the Impossible Trinity?”

Alternative lending is an asset class borne of bank disintermediation and technological innovation. As investors grapple with the portfolio implications of a rising interest rate environment alongside a continuing search for yield, this nascent asset class may offer attractive risk-adjusted returns. It may also provide exposure to a secular shift in the way consumers and small businesses access capital.

Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, shares his best advice for one day conquering Wall Street.

MSCI’s inclusion of China A-shares into global indices will likely boost investor focus. The Global Emerging Markets Team discusses opportunities in this vast and largely uncharted portion of China’s complex markets.

Business Insider selected MSIM’s Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, to engage in a series of exclusive interviews. Dennis Lynch reveals the epiphany that shaped his investment career.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), the Private Equity team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announced today that they have completed an investment in Comar Holding Company, LLC. MSCP partnered with the current management team, led by Michael Ruggieri, who will remain CEO and continue to drive organic and acquisition growth.

Vbrick, the leading provider of enterprise video software, today announced it has received $20 million in funding led by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, with participation from existing investors Acme Nova and Adams Capital. The funding will build upon the rapid adoption of Vbrick’s video platform into the enterprise market by accelerating the pace of innovation, growing sales and marketing, and fueling the company’s partner ecosystem.

Don’t lose money – the International Equity Team explains how investing in high quality mitigates this fundamental risk.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how May was a schizophrenic month for financial markets, with both bouts of "risk on" and "risk off", and how they expect the high volatility to continue.

Cohesity, the leader of hyperconverged secondary storage, today announced it raised $250 million in an oversubscribed Series D funding round led by the SoftBank Vision Fund with strong participation from strategic investors Cisco Investments, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital. The investment is a testament to Cohesity’s leadership in transforming data center and cloud operations with web-scale simplicity for secondary data.

Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, delves into two companies that recently captured his attention.

In a survey of institutional investors, 70% said they are integrating sustainable investing into their investment process, signaling just how quickly the ESG imperative is catching on.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners (MSEP), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and Fort Worth, Texas-based Presidio Investment Holdings LLC announced today a strategic partnership whereby MSEP has made a majority equity investment in Presidio Petroleum.

The global shift towards energy efficiency has the potential to disrupt virtually every sector, increasing productivity, improving corporate earnings and spurring capital investment.

The global shift towards energy efficiency has the potential to disrupt virtually every sector, increasing productivity, improving corporate earnings and spurring capital investment.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: "Been Down So Long / It Seem Like Up To Me"

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the May 2018 Monthly Commentary.

For over 14 years, Dennis Lynch has used disruptive change research to challenge conventional thinking and overcome biases.  Business Insider explores how disruption serves as the connective tissue between all of Lynch’s investment ideas.

The Emerging Markets Debt Team addresses some of economist Carmen Reinhart's recent statements as well as other popular misconceptions about emerging markets.

Applied Equity Advisors combines factor investing with stock-specific research. Tapping both sources of excess returns helps us achieve greater consistency of returns and avoid behavioral pitfalls.

Do consumer staples still have pricing power? The International Equity Team believes yes, those compounders that are well invested still do.

The Growth Team examines Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies and its potential disruptive power.

Business Insider selected MSIM’s Head of Growth Investing, Dennis Lynch, to engage in a series of exclusive interviews.  The first of which describes how his team’s edge begins with one word: Temperament.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how we may have seen markets settle in a range in April, but that new economic data (better or worse) could force the market to change its expectations.

Fusion (NASDAQ:FSNN), a leading provider of cloud services, announced today that on May 4, 2018, it closed a private placement (the “Private Placement”) of 1,523,811 shares of its common stock. The shares were priced at $5.25 per share for gross proceeds of $8.0 million. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used by Fusion for general corporate purposes.

Fusion (NASDAQ:FSNN), a leading provider of cloud services, announced today that on May 4, 2018, it closed its previously-announced acquisition of the Cloud and Business Services business of Birch Communications Holdings, Inc. (“Birch”). The acquisition was completed through a merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fusion with and into Birch. The total enterprise value of this transaction was approximately $600 million, consisting of approximately 50 million shares of Fusion common stock and the refinancing of $444 million of Birch indebtedness.

Concentra Analytics, the creator of Software as a Service (“SaaS”) data solutions used to visualize, model and track business operations, today announced the completion of a £41 million growth equity investment led by One Peak Partners, with participation from co-investors Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, Joseph Schull, Connected Capital, as well as existing shareholder, City Securities.

The Global Emerging Markets Team examines the reason for recent market jitters, and debates whether Trump’s latest threats really have an impact.

We see the tariff tantrum between the US and China as a negotiating tactic rather than the start of a trade war, presenting opportunities for investors who can trade around the volatility.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “Navigating Higher Inflation: An Empirically-Based Multi-Asset Approach.”

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor's team, discusses his market views in the March 2018 Monthly Commentary.

Jim Caron provides his review of the first quarter of 2018 and his outlook on market opportunities.

VizExplorer today announced that it has closed a strategic investment round by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital. The investment will enable VizExplorer to scale business operations, enhance its analytics platform and deliver new solutions for additional verticals including manufacturing, entertainment venues and healthcare.

The International Equity Team welcomes the return of market volatility and suggests the relative certainty of high-quality companies doesn’t look expensive.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how January felt like Golidlock’s conditions for markets, but March brought the three bears of risk—trade war, rising short-term rates and FANG stocks.

Instapage, the landing page and post-click optimization solution for digital advertisers, has today announced a $15 million growth investment from Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Investment funds will allow Instapage to accelerate the enterprise adoption of the Instapage post-click optimization solution, expedite platform development and expand sales and client service operations.

Brazos Midstream Holdings, LLC ("Brazos" or the "Company") and its financial sponsor, Old Ironsides Energy, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Delaware Basin subsidiary companies to North Haven Infrastructure Partners II ("NHIP II") and related funds for approximately $1.75 billion in cash. Closing is expected in the second quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.

As the global economy continues to improve, emerging markets (EM) are converging with developed markets. In aggregate, we expect their reasonable valuations, healthy risk premiums and stable inflation to drive EM outperformance.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “Regime Shift: The End of Free Money.”

Jana Small Finance Bank (formerly Janalakshmi Financial Services, India’s leading micro-finance company), today, announced commencement of its banking operations. To cover its extensive customer base, Jana Small Finance Bank will initially open 19 branches across 18 states and expand to 200 banking outlets including the 25% unbanked rural branches by June 2018.

An inescapable fact of being a relative return fund manager is that performance is measured relative to a benchmark index. Our Indian Equity team reveal the tell-tale symptoms of underperformance and how to contend with it.

India's economy is showing green shoots of recovery following the ambitious reforms of 2016-2017. We discuss why we believe this could be an opportune time to position in India.

The International Equity Team outlines their strategy for investing in developed foreign markets; combining High Quality Compounders with Value Opportunities.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners (MSEP) announced today that they have completed an investment in Specialized Desanders, Inc (SDI). MSEP is partnering with CEO Chris Hemstock and the current SDI management team to support the growth of the company's innovative oilfield equipment and services business across North America and internationally.

A liquidity crisis may cause pain but might also offer potential investment opportunities, says the International Equity Team’s Dirk Hoffmann-Becking.

The International Equity Team’s Laura Bottega poses some topical questions about the team's Global Franchise and Global Quality Strategies to portfolio manager Bruno Paulson.

Orthofix International N.V. (NASDAQ:OFIX), a global medical device company focused on musculoskeletal healing products and value-added services, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Spinal Kinetics Inc., a privately held developer and manufacturer of artificial cervical and lumbar discs.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how the current market is complicated and the ride is likely to be bumpier than last year, but they believe positive growth fundamentals will prevail.

Jim Caron appeared on Bloomberg to discuss what he sees as the markets overreaction to Gary Cohn's exit.

While long-term correlations between stocks and managed futures are close to zero, shorter-term correlations between the two can reach much higher values. It can be difficult to stay focused on long-term relationships amid statistical noise. However, if an investor maintains a long-term perspective, managed futures can be a valuable component of a well-diversified portfolio.

The Global Emerging Markets Team describes how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are integrated into their investment process.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: "The Case for a U.S. Dollar Rally."

Jim Caron appeared on Bloomberg to discuss volatility, markets and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the February 2018 Monthly Commentary.

The dramatic market correction in February confirmed the surprises we predicted in inflation and volatility. We assess what this might mean for the rest of 2018, as investors can expect continued global economic growth and the likely end of secular stagnation.

Fisher Container Holdings, LLC, a leading provider of custom flexible packaging for food and healthcare industries, today announced the rebranding of its subsidiaries Fisher Container, LLC and Packaging Products Corporation, LLC into the new entity PPC Flexible Packaging.

While alternative risk premia have existed for some time—and have long been used by hedge funds—they have only recently begun to be evaluated by a broad swath of investors. Given the growth of investor interest in this space, we thought it timely to share our insights on what constitutes effective due diligence.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how the low-rate, low-volatility environment may be coming to an end and how the new range and speed of adjustment for yields may be key to market performance.

Following February’s market turbulence, the International Equity Team considers the ongoing tug-of-war between bulls citing global growth and bears arguing monetary policy and politics.

CoAdvantage Corporation, a leading national provider of strategic human resource solutions for small to mid-sized companies, today announced that Clinton Burgess has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the combined CoAdvantage organization. Mr. Burgess assumes this role following his prior successful leadership as CEO of Progressive Employer Management Company (PEMCO), a Florida-based Professional Employer Organization (PEO), which merged with CoAdvantage in October 2017.

Fisher Container, a portfolio company majority owned by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, today announced the addition of Dan Donofrio to its executive team as Chief Operations Officer.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “A New Hope: From Stagnation to Growth in South Africa”

William Lock discusses how a strategy that his team manages has incorporated the Buffett philosophy into a long standing, successful global investment strategy.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the January 2018 Mid-Month Market Commentary.

Sahajanand Medical Technologies, the leading manufacturer of cardiac stents in India, is pleased to announce that it has successfully raised equity to the tune of Rs. 230 crore in a funding round led by Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia. Existing Investor Samara Capital also participated in the round.

Swanand believes India is one of the few places in the world that is a fertile ground for bottom-up work and has the potential to reward the patient stock picker.

Jim Caron provides his outlook for 2018 and offers his insights into how the active management style of the Global Fixed Income Opportunities fund can take advantage of market trends.

A fund managed by Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia has invested Rs 152 crore in Southern Health Foods, makers of the Manna Foods brand of natural health food products.

The Global Fixed Income team provides their outlook for global fixed income in 2018 and how a focus on alpha is likely to be a large driving force of performance.

The Global Emerging Markets Team discusses emerging markets (EM) and the approach they use to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their process for picking sustainable countries and companies to invest in.

Jim Caron discusses the difference between tightening and increasing interest rates with CNBC’s Rick Santelli.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisor’s team, discusses his market views in the 2018 Equity Market Outlook commentary.

The field of behavioral finance has shown that emotions and past experience play a role in our investment decisions. Even professional money managers are subject to emotional decision making and subconscious biases. Being aware of this and constructing mitigating safeguards is critical for both professional money management and individual investing. In this paper, Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s Managed Futures Team offers suggestions to help investors reduce emotionalism when investing.

Morgan Stanley’s European Equity Team discusses whether it is time to become more bearish in 2018.

The International Equity Team reflects on 2017 and discusses why they will keep a close eye on risk in 2018, and why high-quality companies remain the best relative bet.

MSIM's Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: "After Goldilocks in 2017, the Great Reversal in 2018?"

Three possible surprises for investors are on our radar for 2018: a monetary policy surprise; an inflation surprise; and a volatility surprise. With the global economy running at full steam, the market may not be fully prepared for them.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (collectively, “MSPEA”), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Profex Inc. (“Profex”), a specialty distributor of dermo-cosmetic products in the People’s Republic of China and Giorgos Korres shareholder of KORRES S.A. NATURAL PRODUCTS (KORRES) announced an investment agreement.

The Emerging Markets Debt Team discusses their outlook for the 2018 and why there is a case for medium-term optimism.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how even though markets have run a long way, and future returns are likely to be more modest, the current environment is likely to continue in 2018.

Morgan Stanley’s European Equity Team discusses its outlook for the European equity asset class in 2018.

Jim Caron reviews how politics, regulation and policy have become more dominant factors in driving asset prices, and how we may need a new way to value assets.

Jim Caron discusses the key takeaways from the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank recent meetings.

In much the same way that long-only investors have considered “passive” investing as a way to adjust their exposures efficiently and to reduce cost, alternatives investors have begun to explore systematic and index-based solutions—such as “alternative risk premia”—as a way to achieve those same objectives. In this paper, we seek to introduce the concept of alternative risk premia, explain how investors can access them, and present the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with them.

Morgan Stanley’s European Equity Team discusses fiscal policy and inflation trends within the European market landscape.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “China Cyclical Downturn in 2018."

William Lock discusses how a strategy that his team manages has incorporated the Buffett philosophy into a long standing, successful global investment strategy.

Behind the scenes, Japan’s corporate governance reform has been hitting the mark, leading to higher Return on Equity. Europe’s governance scores have also improved, while the U.S. shows some notable exceptions.

The International Equity Team explains why capable company management is key, and why they believe good governance is even more important in high-quality companies.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners (collectively, “MSEP”), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and Houston, Texas-based Durango Investment Holdings LLC (“Durango Midstream” or the “Company”) announced today a strategic partnership whereby MSEP has made a majority equity investment in Durango Midstream to support the growth of the Company’s midstream businesses in the Midcontinent region of the United States.

Tiff’s Treats, the Austin-based company that created the warm cookie delivery concept, today announced a $25 million investment round led by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management. The Series D investment will be used primarily to support further national expansion and continued investment in the company’s technology leading ordering and delivery platform.

The Global Fixed Income team discusses how it may be time to be more selective in the fixed income markets and how security selection will be important.

With recovery in Japan underway, the International Equity Team asks whether the Japanese government’s efforts to bring about change offers investors high-quality opportunities today.

Jim Caron reviews the third quarter of 2017 and offers his insights into how the active management style of the Global Fixed Income Opportunities fund can take advantage of market trends.

A number of storm fronts are forming off the coast of what is otherwise a sunny economic environment, from rising rates to debt and politics. Investors need to have a plan for taking shelter.

Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announces that it has closed on over $275 million of capital commitments for North Haven Expansion Credit LP and its related funds (collectively, “Expansion Credit” or the “Fund”), exceeding its fundraising target.

MSIM appreciates that ESG factors can impact long-term performance. With strong support from our Corporate Governance team, our managers incorporate a deep understanding of ESG into their analysis.

While equity markets and other asset prices have generally retraced their declines in the years following the Global Financial Crisis, the fear of another sharp downturn has yet to subside. The terms crisis alpha and crisis risk offset describe a group of strategies that seek to perform well in the event of an equity market collapse. Allocation to such non-correlated strategies has the potential to dampen the impact of equity market volatility and enhance expected risk-adjusted returns.

The Global Emerging Markets Team discusses emerging markets (EM) and the strategic advantages of investing in EM small caps; where it fits in a global allocation and the potential of dedicated managers to generate higher excess returns.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “The Fed’s Shifting Reaction Function.”

Managed futures and hedge funds have been broadly available for 30 years and 20 years respectively. With these long track records, we can analyze the historical relationship between the two and use that information to integrate them into portfolios with confidence

By extending an academic study to global and international growth equities, the Global Opportunity Team shows that high active share portfolios have outperformed.

Andrew Slimmon from the Applied Equity Advisor’s Team discusses his thoughts and views in the latest commentary for September 2017

In focusing on right-wing populism, are markets failing to notice the threat posed by the left? The International Equity Team explains their increased vigilance given political uncertainty.

The Global Fixed Income Team discusses current market volatility and how it may be time to consider buying volatility cheap through convertible bonds.

William Lock explains why he believes a company’s intangible assets are integral to achieving sustainably high returns.

Despite the relative quiet in recent weeks, we expect the standoff between the U.S. and North Korea to escalate before it is resolved, and think it is prudent to put in defensive positions and reduce exposures to volatility and higher-risk areas.

Jim Caron discusses the Federal Reserve's recent statement.

Opera TV, the global market leader in enabling OTT, today introduced its new brand identity, including a logo and website, meant to better illustrate the company’s mission to enable entertainment everywhere through extraordinary OTT products and services. Vewd will officially launch at IBC from September 15-19, where it will also showcase enhancements to its core technology and preview its latest breakthrough products.

The team discusses how with fundamentals and monetary policy stable, political noise has become the main source of market volatility.

The Emerging Markets Debt team discusses their analysis of who really gets hurt if the U.S. exits the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment views in the latest viewpoint: “Reports of Inflation’s Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated”.

Playing the yin and yang of the risk-off/risk-on trade no longer seems to work. The International Equity Team explains why short-term price volatility may offer potential long-term opportunities.

Swanand and Amay explain why investing money in index-tracking ETFs may make one “penny wise and pound foolish".

The Growth Team researches autonomous vehicles, which use a suite of sensors, actuators and a central computer to "perceive" the environment and automate the driving process. This technology could change our conception of personal transportation.

Fusion (NASDAQ: FSNN), a leading cloud services provider, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Cloud and Business Services customers, operations and infrastructure of privately-held Birch Communications, which represents the majority of Birch's current revenues. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2017.

The team discusses current monetary policy, the impending end of its accommodative stance and the role of central banks in this environment.

Tobacco has long been a steady compounder, even in the face of regulatory pressure. In this piece, the International Equity Team discusses what the FDA’s latest announcement may mean for the industry.

Jim Caron examines market reaction to the Federal Reserve’s take on inflation in its June statement.

Our location in Hong Kong gives us a unique perspective on the risks and opportunities of investing in China, a market we believe is ripe with opportunity for bottom-up stock picking, particularly in the consumer, internet, healthcare and education industries.

Fisher Container, a portfolio company majority owned by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, completes the acquisition of Packaging Products Corporation.

Janalakshmi Financial Services (JFS), India’s largest microfinance organization, today announced the receipt of final licence from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up Small Finance Bank. The Small Finance Bank will commence operations in the second quarter of the current financial year. JFS plans to set up 300 bank branches during the year covering the major locations in India.

Bruno Paulson explains why consumer staples performance is more about earnings than interest rates.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces an investment in Fisher Container via a partnership with experienced plastics and packaging executive, Kevin Keneally, and the current Fisher management team to acquire the company.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces that it has raised over $1.5 billion for North Haven Capital Partners VI and its related funds and committed co-investments.

ESG factors are integral to assessing the quality of a company. A holistic approach to sustainability may help minimize risk events and identify opportunities characterized by competitive advantages.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity announces an investment in 24 Seven, Inc., one of North America’s largest creative and digital human capital management firms.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity announces an investment in Cadence Education, Inc., one of the United States’ leading providers of early childhood education.

Morgan Stanley Energy Partners ("MSEP") and Midland, TX-based XRI Holdings, LLC (“XRI Blue”), announce a strategic partnership whereby MSEP has made a majority equity investment in XRI Blue.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces an investment in Pathway Partners Vet Holding LLC, a leading veterinary hospital owner and operator founded by Dr. Jasen Trautwein in Austin, TX and led by CEO Shawn McVey.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces that it has raised $3.6 billion for North Haven Infrastructure Partners II (NHIP II).

Kristian Heugh defines the key differentiators and core values of his team’s investment process, focusing on competitive advantage and quality companies able to create value through growth.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of a majority investment in CoAdvantage, Inc., one of North America’s largest professional employer organizations (PEOs).

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces that it has agreed to sell Southern Star Central Corp. (Southern Star) to a consortium consisting of affiliates of GE Energy Financial Services and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces the sale of Madrileña Red de Gas ("MRG") to a consortium formed by EDF Invest, Gingko Tree Investment Ltd, and Dutch pension fund manager PGGM.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces an agreement to sell Montreal Gateway Terminals to a consortium led by Fiera Axium Infrastructure.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of the sale of its majority interest in EmployBridge, a leading provider of specialty staffing services, to The Select Family of Staffing Companies, a national provider of workforce management services.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces an agreement to acquire in stages co-control ownership of Eureka Hunter Holdings, LLC, a natural gas gathering system situated in the Marcellus and Utica shale basins in the Appalachian region of the United States.

Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity today announced it has completed the sale of its majority interest in Learning Care Group (U.S.) Inc.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of the sale of its majority interest in Accelerate Acquisitions Limited, the parent company of Zenith, to HgCapital, a UK-based private equity fund.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces an increased ownership stake to 100 percent of the Common Equity of Southern Star Central Corp., parent company of Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline (Southern Star).

Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia announces the closing of a strategic partnership with Tianhe Chemicals Group, a leading specialty chemicals company in China.

Morgan Stanley Credit Partners has provided a $46 million mezzanine loan to help finance the acquisition of BarrierSafe Solutions International (BarrierSafe) by Odyssey Investment Partners.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces the sale of its 50 percent interest in SAESA Group, a Chilean electricity distribution, transmission and generation company, to Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) of Canada.

Morgan Stanley Credit Partners has provided a $43 million mezzanine loan to help finance the acquisition of H.D. Vest Financial Services by Parthenon Capital Partners and Lovell Minnick Partners.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity and Denver-based Sterling Energy Company announce a strategic partnership whereby Morgan Stanley Private Equity has made a majority equity investment in Sterling Energy.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity and the group of Trinity companies (“Trinity”) announce a strategic partnership whereby Morgan Stanley Private Equity has made a majority equity investment in Trinity.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces that is has agreed to acquire a 60 per cent stake in Zenith Vehicle Contracts Group Limited, a provider of vehicle outsourcing and management services to the UK corporate sector, from funds advised by Barclays Private Equity and Zenith management.

Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A. and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners announces a definitive agreement to acquire jointly certain of the gas distribution and supply businesses in the region of Madrid from Gas Natural SDG, S.A.

Morgan Stanley Private Equity and Charleston, WV-based Triana Energy announce a strategic partnership whereby Morgan Stanley Private Equity has made a majority equity investment in Triana Energy.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces the completion of an agreement to acquire a 60 percent stake in Learning Care Group, the U.S. subsidiary of A.B.C. Learning Centres Limited (“ABC”).

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners and BAST Investment Group agree to acquire an equity stake in Breitenfeld AG from the majority shareholders of the Austrian specialty steel producer, Fides Privatstiftung and Fortis Privatstiftung.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners announces that it will acquire Tops Markets, LLC (Tops) from Koninklijke Ahold, N.V. (Ahold). Tops operates under the banners of Tops Markets and Martin’s Super Food Stores.