James Taylor

UK retailer Marks & Spencer has ruled out an imminent bid for supermarket chain Sainsbury, removing a major obstacle to a potential offer from the CVC-led buyout consortium eyeing the company.

Private equity investors continue to increase their exposure to emerging markets – particularly China and India – resulting in a record fundraising year.

The UK trade body has launched a working group, to be chaired by City grandee Sir David Walker, which will look at how the industry can become more transparent. The initiative has been backed by most of the UK’s biggest buyout firms.

Ed Balls, a key ally of UK Chancellor Gordon Brown, has played down fears over the role of private equity in the UK economy, but encouraged calls for greater transparency.

An increased appetite for emerging markets – particularly China and India – saw investors pour record sums into private equity funds targeting these regions last year.

UK retailer Marks & Spencer has ruled out an imminent bid for supermarket chain Sainsbury, removing a major obstacle to a potential offer from the CVC-led buyout consortium eyeing the company.

Private equity investors continue to increase their exposure to emerging markets – particularly China and India – resulting in a record fundraising year.

Mezzanine specialist Intermediate Capital has appointed a new head of investor relations, as it looks to enhance its transparency to institutional backers.

Australian retailer Coles Group has again shunned its private equity suitors, reportedly insisting that it cut its bidding consortium from five firms to four. The move will fuel the ongoing debate about club deals.

Jupiter Asset Management, the Commerzbank-owned fund manager that is currently mulling its strategic options, has become the latest buyout target of The Blackstone Group.