Element Partners has formed Soleras Advanced Coatings LLC, via the previously-announced acquisitions of the Industrial Coatings unit of Belgium-based Bekaert NV and Biddeford, Maine-based Soleras Ltd.www.elementpartners.com
FTV Capital has acquired a “significant stake” in Catalyst Repository Systems, a Denver-based provider of cloud-based document repositories for e-discovery and other complex legal matters, for $32 million. The seller was Catalyst Investors, which will retain a small minority stake. www.catalystsecure.com
Genstar Capital has agreed to acquire eResearchTechnology Inc. (Nasdaq: ERT), a Philadelphia-based provider of health outcomes research services to biopharma sponsors and contract research organizations. The deal is valued at approximately $400 million, or $8 per share (2% premium to yesterday’s closing price). www.ert.com
The Gores Group has agreed to acquire the Touch Solutions business of TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) for $380 million. Touch Solutions makes touch screens, touch monitors and all-in-one touch computers, and generated $413 million in sales for fiscal 2011. www.te.com
Oak Hill Capital Partners has agreed to acquire around an 80% stake in Earth Fare Inc. from Monitor Clipper Partners, at an enterprise value of approximately $300 million. Earth Fare is an Asheville, N.C.-based organic food retailer with 25 stores in the Southeastern and Midwestern U.S. Jefferies & Co. served as lead financial advisor to Earth Fare. www.oakhillcapital.com
NJOY, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based electronic cigarette brand, has raised $20 million in growth equity funding from Catterton Partners. www.njoy.com
Penn Virginia Resource Partners (NYSE: PVR) has agreed to acquire Chief Gathering, a midstream pipeline company with operating assets serving Marcellus Shale natural gas producers primarily in northeastern Pennsylvania, for $1 billion. Riverstone Holdings will help finance the deal via a $400 million investment in PVR, while Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and Magnetar Capital are co-leading a $180 million investment. www.pvrpartners.com
Sun Capital Partners has acquired CornerStone Research & Development Inc., an Ogden, Utah-based contract manufacturer of vitamins and dietary supplements, from Mitsui & Co. No financial terms were disclosed. www.suncappart.com
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