The private equity cleantech sector has enjoyed its strongest week of fundraising this year with four funds garnering almost $600m (€498m) in total. The fund closings comes as the overall buyout market continues to suffer its worst fundraising slump in six years.

Sam Private Equity, part of financial services provider Rabobank Group, has raised $200m for its $500m global cleantech fund, according to a statement. The fund will target primary deals and investments in second-hand cleantech assets.