Barclays Private Equity has closed its third European mid-market buyout fund, Barclays Private Equity European Fund III, with total commitments of €2.4 billion ($3.3 billion).

The fund received commitments of some €1.7 billion from 25 blue-chip investor groups across Europe, the Gulf, Asia and the United States, including funds managed by Allianz Private Equity Partners, LGT Capital Partners and Morley Fund Management, in addition to a €650 million commitment from its affiliate, Barclays Capital.

“Our strategy remains unchanged—to concentrate on mid-market buy-outs up to €500 million with a core focus on deals between €25 million and €250 million,” said Tom Lamb, co-head of Barclays Private Equity. “Our 2005 Fund is now over 85% committed with more than 25% of drawn capital already returned to investors. “Our 2002 Fund has already returned over 150 per cent of drawn capital.”