LONDON (Reuters) – Private equity-backed airline ticketing firm Travelport called off its $1.78 billion London listing on Wednesday, citing poor market conditions, the latest in a slew of failed IPOs across Europe. The decision to postpone what would be the biggest initial public offering (IPO) in London in two years followed scrapped deals of Belgium […]
SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a Dublin, Ireland-based provider of e-learning and performance support SaaS solutions, has agreed to be acquired by Advent International, Bain Capital and Berkshire Partners. The deal is valued at approximately $1.1 billion, with SkillSoft stockholders to receive $10.80 per share (10.66% premium over yesterday's closing price). Credit Suisse Securities advised SkillSoft on the deal.
North Castle Partners has recapitalized Flatout Inc., a Saline, Mich.-based maker of premium flatbreads, wraps and snack crisps. No financial terms were disclosed for the deal, which also included participation from Glencoe Capital's Michigan Opportunities Fund.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Plastic container maker Graham Packaging Co Inc (GRM.N) was the lone gainer in a trio of U.S. companies that made their debuts on the nation’s stock exchanges on Thursday. Internet marketing company QuinStreet (QNST.O), advised by investment banker Frank Quattrone, closed flat. Generator company Generac Holdings Inc (GNRC.N) closed down 1.23 […]
LONDON (Reuters) – British fashion retailer New Look has postponed its planned initial public offering, making it the third private equity-backed firm in as many days to abandon a flotation in turbulent financial markets. The decision will put a question mark over other IPO hopefuls, like travel firm Amadeus and online grocer Ocado, and marks […]
LONDON (Reuters) – The board of British fashion retailer New Look will meet on Friday to decide whether to proceed with its planned initial public offering (IPO), a person familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The meeting comes after a series of IPOs have been cancelled due to unfavourable market conditions. New Look declined […]
(Reuters) – U.S. merger advisory boutique Evercore Partners Inc (EVR.N) has agreed to take a stake in Trilantic Capital Partners in an effort to support the private equity firm’s investments. As part of the deal, Evercore will issue 500,000 restricted shares, with a minimum redemption value of $16.5 million on Dec. 31, 2014, for a […]
LONDON (Reuters) – Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY.L) is still in the early stages of considering options for its private equity unit, sources familiar with the process said, even as interest builds with at least five buyout firms circling. Britain’s largest retail bank has been mulling over the future of the Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance […]
LONDON (Reuters) – Merlin Entertainments, the Blackstone-owned theme-park operator, said it had no near-term plans to go public, a day after Blackstone-backed Travelport scrapped its London listing, blaming market instability. In October, a source familiar with the matter said Blackstone (BX.N) had called in Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, UBS and Nomura to advise on […]
Jesup & Lamont Inc. (NYSE Amex: JLI) has agreed to merge with Tri-Artisan Capital Partners, a New York-based merchant bank focused on private equity and M&A advisory services. Under terms of the agreement, Tri-Artisan shareholders would receive around $9.25 million worth of Jesup & Lamont common stock and $15.74 million of convertible preferred stock. The deal's close is predicated on an equity capital raise.