Osborne Clarke advises Foresight on launch of a new fund to support small and medium sized enterprises across South Yorkshire

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised Foresight Group, a leading FTSE 250 listed private equity and infrastructure investment manager, on the launch of a new investment fund for the South Yorkshire Pension Fund that will invest in the South Yorkshire region.

The South Yorkshire Pensions Authority has launched the South Yorkshire Growth Equity Fund to support small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region after identifying funding gaps that are hindering growth. The Pension Authority has appointed Foresight Group to manage the Fund.

The Osborne Clarke team which advised Foresight was led by Partner and UK Head of Financial Institutions Group, Helen Parsonage and included Senior Associate Nick Kristensen.

The South Yorkshire Growth Equity Fund is dedicated to investing in ambitious, growing companies across South Yorkshire. It will provide equity investments of up to £2 million, typically as part of larger funding rounds of up to £15 million through co-investing alongside Foresight’s other funds. The fund will help companies reach their growth potential and build on founders' visions across all sectors and transaction types.

Osborne Clarke is a leading European law firm with a widely recognised international funds practice, advising household names as well as emerging managers on fund formations and related matters. The team advises across asset classes including private equity, venture, real estate and hedge funds and has clients investing across sectors including financial services; technology, media and telecoms; energy and infrastructure and the built environment.

Osborne Clarke’s private equity team is a go-to practice for companies across a number of sectors, working with clients ranging from global businesses to fast-growth start-ups. The team advises at every stage of company development across all corporate issues, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and JVs.