Iris Dorbian

The TCW Group said Monday that it has bought Craton Equity Partners. No financial terms were disclosed. As a result of the acquisition, Craton Equity managing partners Bob MacDonald and Tom Soto will become managing directors at TCW/Craton. Also, Craton Equity managing partner Kevin Wall will become a senior advisor, while David Asarnow, a partner at Craton Equity, will become a senior vice president and director of investments at TCW/Craton. Based in Los Angeles, Craton Equity Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in socially responsible investments.

AFAM Capital said Monday that it has hired Daniel P. Driscoll as vice president and Northeast regional sales director. Prior to joining AFAM, Driscoll worked at Congress Asset Management where he most recently served as a vice president and regional director in charge of business and client service in the New York Metro area. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, AFAM is an asset management firm.

Capstone Financial Group said Monday that it has hired Hal Johnson as its CFO. Previously, Johnson worked at Chase Investment Services. Based in Irvine, Calif., Capstone Financial Group is an investment and merchant banking firm.

Electra Partners said Monday that it has named Owen Wilson as investment director. Prior to joining the firm, Wilson worked at Palamon Capital. Based in London, Electra Partners is a private equity fund manager.

Jacana Partners and Soros Economic Development Fund have made an undisclosed investment in DSM Corridor Group. Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, DCG is a bulk cargo handling company.

Verdesian Life Sciences, a portfolio company of Paine & Partners, said Monday that it has bought INTX Microbials. No financial terms were disclosed. Based in Kentland, Indiana, INTX Microbials is a maker and distributor of seed enhancement products.

Nirvanix, which is backed by Khosla Ventures, Valhalla Partners, Intel Capital, Mission Ventures and Windward Ventures, said Monday in a post on its website that it will be closing down its operations. Based in San Diego, Calif., Nirvanix is a provider of cloud storage solutions. To read further details about the closure, click here.

AXA Private Equity said Monday that it has completed its spin-out from the AXA Group and will now be known as Ardian, a private investment firm.

Boticca, a fashion accessories site that is backed by MMC Ventures and ISAI, said Monday that it has acquired L'Atelier De La Mode. No financial terms were disclosed. Based in Paris, L'Atelier De La Mode is a fashion designer marketplace.

Charlesbank Capital Partners has named John Vander Vort as its new chief operating officer. Previously, Vander Vort worked at MPM Capital where he served as COO and chief compliance officer. Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital is a middle-market private equity firm.