James Taylor

Icelandic investor FL Group has bought the French soft drinks business Sun Beverages for an undisclosed sum, its third bolt-on acquisition in two months for expanding portfolio company Refresco.

Three private equity firms are reportedly in talks with British American Tobacco about submitting a rival bid for Altadis, a Franco-Spanish cigarette maker that has become a bid target in the latest round of consolidation in the industry.

A consortium led by Veronis Suhler Stevenson has bought US publishing business Advanstar from DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, for $1.1 billion.

Wendel Investissement, a French listed investment company, reported increased profits and sales at its portfolio companies in 2006, as it considers a listing of its biggest subsidiary.

HgCapital has completed its exit from the Hirschmann Group, selling the car communication division to management for an undisclosed sum.

As private equity bidders continue to circle some of the UK’s biggest retail names, employees may be forgiven for feeling confused about how safe their jobs will be under private equity ownership. James Taylor explains.

TA Associates, a Boston-based private equity firm, has bought an undisclosed stake in fund of hedge funds K2 Advisors, in the latest example of convergence between the two alternative asset classes.

Esprit Capital Partners, a technology-focused venture firm, will lead the latest $20 million funding round for ZBD, a QinetiQ spin-out that makes electronic labels for retailers.

Swiss advisory firm Axon Partners has made two senior hires as it looks to bolster its placement and investor relations teams.

3i said in a pre-close update that it will pay out another £800 million to shareholders after a strong year for investment and realisations. It has now made £2 billion of dividend awards in three years.