Goldman Sachs, the top adviser in deals between $500m (€381m) and $1bn, is planning to directly invest its own money in middle-market companies as private equity firms refocus efforts on the sector.

Goldman will dedicate $1bn of its own money to invest in about 10 investments of between $50m and $100m each, according to a report by Reuters today. The effort will be called Goldman Sachs Direct Partners.