M&A Portal Blog

Polish food company to capitalise on its spiritual connection

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:20:46 GMT

There are many food companies and retailers around the world that specialise in “local” or “ethnic” produce and who have emerged as a result of the growing demand for local dishes and foods from expatriated communities.

Lloyds Banking Group is trying hard to satisfy the British taxpayer!

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:16:14 GMT

After being rescued by UK taxpayers in 2008, Lloyds Banking Group is doing its best to please us - even if it means making a loss

Will CVC gamble on Betfair for added horsepower in its stable?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:52:19 GMT

After gambling on Formula One, private equity firm CVC is now reportedly considering taking a punt on Betfair

Game, set and match to Caird Capital and London & Regional Properties?

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:47:46 GMT

Six years after buying into fitness club chain David Lloyd Leisure, could the taxpayer-owned banking group Lloyds finally see a return on its investment?

Designer brands continue to chase the Asian markets

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:21:44 GMT

In the last three years alone, companies such as Prada, Bulgari, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tod’s have either been linked to an IPO, have actually listed or have had external investors acquire some or all of their shares. The most recent company linked to either a sale or a possible IPO is Versace.

Foxtons travelling a seven-year path back to an IPO?

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:31:05 GMT

Seven years after Foxtons was first reported to be considering a stock market listing, has the London estate agency now come full circle to revist the idea?

Private Equity to quench their thirst via Lucozade and Ribena?

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:12 GMT

Reports have suggested private equity investors Blackstone and Lion Capital could be considering refilling their glasses with a possible acquisition of Lucozade and Ribena.

Pass the crisps round the crowdfunders please

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:21:50 GMT

As high street banks still seem reluctant to lend, businesses are turning increasingly to crowdfunding to meet their cash needs.

It’s all in the name!

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:31:36 GMT

The financial press is telling us there are positive signs for M&A deal-making in 2013, but have things really improved on previous years?

Are large retail mergers the way to deal with the continued threat from online sellers?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:11:34 GMT

Could a potential merger between Office Depot Inc and OfficeMax Inc enable the companies to be more competitive with larger digital rivals like Amazon?

Warren Buffet and Berkshire Hathaway to feast on Baked Beans, Spaghetti Hoops and Tomato Ketchup

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:00:13 GMT

Following the announcement that Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital are partnering to buy Heinz in a USD 28bn mega deal, can we take this as a sign that 2013 marks the year that deal-making confidence has finally returned?

Rockefeller Centre and other NBC Universal and assets to pass fully into Comcast ownership

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:47:39 GMT

Back in December 2009 when Comcast began its road to acquiring 51.0 per cent of NBC Universal it was envisioned that a full takeover would not take place for a considerable number of years.

“Private Equity buyers with a sweet tooth target Twinkies”

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:27:53 GMT

Household brands often excite a lot of interested parties when they become available to buy, and Hostess Brands has proven to be no exception.

When founding shareholders and company boards disagree…..

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:16:31 GMT

Yesterday saw a further spat between Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of the low-cost no frills airline easyJet, and his board of directors over proposed expansion plans.

Dell subject to Private Equity takeover speculation

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:44:16 GMT

The one positive to come from 2012's global results was private equity, which showed another year on year increase in terms of announced deal values.

Fiskars to cut Axcel Private Equity out of Royal Copenhagen

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:56:55 GMT

Finnish group Fiskars has agreed to buy Danish fine porcelain maker Royal Copenhagen with the aim of integrating it into its own luxury product ranges.

PE investors recognise the growth in the discount retail sector and snap up a pre-Christmas bargain

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:34:15 GMT

As US private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice snaps up discount retailer B&M just in time for Christmas, could there be more Yuletide bargains out there waiting for a buyer?

'Eggciting' plan hatched by Gemfields

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:52:09 GMT

The decision by Gemfields to buy luxury jeweller Fabergé may help it to crack the Asian market for luxury brands and goods

12 month money back guarantee

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:07:56 GMT

Buyer beware: As the HP-Autonomy dispute illustrates, if you don't ask the right questions, you may be in for a shock!

Carlyle goes nuts for first African Investment

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:17:11 GMT

In the last three weeks I have attended two conferences specifically focusing on private equity in Africa. One hosted in London and attended by many European and US organisations and the other just yesterday in Johannesburg with a more locally based audience. But everyone who attended either of these conferences pretty much had the same purpose – to try and understand more about the opportunities that exist for private equity investors in the African continent.

Calling 007 - your mission is to determine what is really going on with Aston Martin….

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:48:32 GMT

Historically, the British car industry was once one of the most revered in the world. However, in recent years the British motor industry, particularly its high profile and prestigious brands, has been a target for foreign manufacturers or investment companies.

Nando's India and Branston Pickle deals highlight opportunities in the global food market

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:02:11 GMT

The continued appeal of global food businesses to strategic and financial buyers provides an element of certainty in an uncertain economic climate.

Private equity buyers warm up to Urenco

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:59:18 GMT

As private equity buyers start to circle UK government-owned nuclear fuel giant Urenco, it begs the question: wouldn't it be better to keep our energy companies in British hands, where we might have some influence over what they do with our energy?

William Hill and partner GVC Holdings up the stakes in their takeover of Sportingbet

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:18:15 GMT

This morning William Hill and GVC Holdings announced they have reached agreement with the board of Sportingbet as the result of an increase in the indicative offer they have made for the company.

Where are all the deals?

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:31:00 GMT

After a fairly gloomy set of M&A results for Q3, let's hope the movers and shakers in the deal making world have come back from their holidays refreshed and ready to get down to business.

Hamleys becomes the latest plaything of French group Ludendo

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:28:19 GMT

Another iconic British brand was passed from one foreign owner to another yesterday with the announcement that Hamleys was being sold by Icelandic bank Landsbanki to Grupo Ludendo, the French toy retailer.

Party Politics Influencing Deal Making? Surely not!

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:17:25 GMT

November sees the 2012 US Presidential elections reach a conclusion and a lot has been made of Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s links to Bain Capital, the global private equity player.

Campari to buy the “Old man of rum”

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:59:22 GMT

Grupo Campari, the Italian branded alcoholic beverage provider, yesterday announced its intended acquisition of 81% of the Jamaican rum maker Lascelles de Mercado & Co for USD 414m.

Another British retailer admits defeat

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:35:12 GMT

British retail continues to suffer amidst one of the most difficult economic periods, and just this morning another “high street” name announced that it could no longer continue to finance a planned turnaround programme and put itself up for sale.

Stansted Airport: here come the bidders...

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:12:23 GMT

As BAA finally admits defeat and agrees to sell Stansted Airport, who are the potential buyers and what sort of job would they make of running it?

Ryanair / Aer Lingus deal continues to be turbulent

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:32:10 GMT

As Etihad steps in as a possible buyer for a stake in Aer Lingus, could Ryanair's third takeover bid for the Irish flag carrier enter yet more turbulence?

Private company data specialist looking to go private?

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:49:10 GMT

Dun & Bradstreet, the US-based global private company information provider, is exploring a sale, according to “sources familiar with the matter”.

Apple’s spending spree continues with the announcement of another deal

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:13:46 GMT

This morning Apple announced that they have agreed to acquire AuthenTec, a US-based provider of mobile and network security, for a fee in the region of USD 355m.

Is this the start of the spread of ‘ethical banking’?

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:05:09 GMT

As Co-operative Group agrees to acquire more than 600 Lloyds TSB branches, could this lead to other banks re-examining their own activities?

Is your TV watching you?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:24:40 GMT

Yesterday saw the announcement by TiVo, the US based advanced television entertainment company, of its intention to acquire Tra Inc for a figure in the region of USD 20m.

Football: ‘it’s a mug’s game’

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:50:19 GMT

I know the phrase should be “Gambling: it’s a mugs game”, but in light of speculation yesterday that yet another English Premier League club is about to be sold to foreign investors, I can’t help feeling that the original phrase should be changed.

Manchester United changes its game plan and decides to list on NYSE

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:48:03 GMT

The saga of the Glazers’ Manchester United ownership took yet another turn this week with the announcement that the company will undertake a public listing.

When will the good times start to roll again for M&A?

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:36:17 GMT

Four years have now passed since the demise of the really good times for global M&A practitioners and deal makers. Another half year has come and gone and the ongoing economic uncertainty is still affecting deal making.

Ryanair has Aer Lingus in its sights... again!

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:01:58 GMT

Michael O’Leary tends to be a CEO that polarises public opinion, but no one can doubt his achievement in taking Ryanair, the low cost Irish carrier founded in 1985, from a small provincial operation to one of Europe’s largest and most profitable airlines.

Moules-frites and a litre of cider…..

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:14:15 GMT

When you think of leading cider producing nations, I think it’s fair to say that Belgium doesn’t automatically spring to the forefront of one’s mind. Belgian chocolate, beer and moules-frites are the culinary delights I’m sure most of us associate with the country. However, on Friday it was announced that Netherlands-listed global brewer Heineken had acquired Stassen SA, the Belgium-based cider manufacturer.

American Greetings delivers good news to Clinton Cards

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:52:41 GMT

Perhaps the next time you think about sending a message to friends or family, take a moment to remember that the way you send it - electronically or by “snail mail” - does ultimately have a much wider economic impact.

Starbucks continues to heat up its food offerings

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:19:56 GMT

Starbucks continues to advance its plans for world domination in the competitive coffee and snack retail market.

Potentially another financing route closed for young businesses?

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:45:31 GMT

Since the economic downturn in 2007, one of the oft-repeated statements is that is has been difficult - and remains difficult - for young companies to locate funding. The announcement on Monday that Plus Markets Group would have to cease trading unless a buyer could be found is another blow in the increasingly difficult trading environment for fledgling companies.

A safe pair of hands for Four Seasons Health?

Wed, 02 May 2012 09:19:47 GMT

After a couple of months of speculation as to who was pursuing it, it has finally been announced that Terra Firma, the private equity firm run by Guy Hands, is to acquire Four Seasons Health Care, the UK-based care home operator.

Dealmaking the (current) Facebook way

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:38:54 GMT

Will Facebook's impending IPO change its investment approach?

Tumi's planned listing bucks the trend and chooses New York

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:50:30 GMT

Tumi to stay local for IPO

Was your first one a Grifter, BMX or a Chopper?

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:38:32 GMT

Potential sale of Raleigh Cycles to Accell stirs some fond childhood memories...

Asians interested in quintessential British retailer?

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:07:24 GMT

YGM among parties reportedly interested in purchase of Aquascutum

Lisa is away

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:10:21 GMT

Lisa will return shortly with the latest M&A comment

LA Dodgers to hit a home run for their owner?

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:25:27 GMT

A global brand always proves more than helpful when trying to sell a business that has issues.

Anheuser to recycle some of its empties?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:18:43 GMT

Are beer goggles affecting who is being viewed as a possible suitor for Staropramen?

TPG surfs the waves to come in and shop for new 'boardies'

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:52:02 GMT

Billabong's shareholders might consider an offer from TPG to be a cheeky and highly opportunist opening shot!

Snack Wars rumble on

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:28:59 GMT

With the acquisition of the Pringles brand, Kellogg’s have extended their snack product range to appeal to both sweet and savoury snackers!

Guy's Green Hands

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:11:18 GMT

Is Guy Hands' Terra Firma set to tap into pensioners' disposable income with garden centre buy?

Dr Martens use their refound trendiness to kickstart a possible sale

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:41:36 GMT

Dr Martens has the advantage of being considered a uniquely British brand which, inevitably, should generate interest both in Asia and the US.

Rank Group shows its hand in deal for Gala Coral

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:39:35 GMT

If the deal proceeds, Gala - the last company in the UK that covers all aspects of leisure gambling - could be taken into foreign ownership.

Starbucks to follow the franchise road

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:45:25 GMT

Keep your eyes peeled - very soon you will have a local Starbucks to go with your local McDonald’s and Co-op!

China joins Abu Dhabi in turning on the tap of Thames Water

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:27:07 GMT

It’s difficult to predict if these minority shareholdings will open the floodgates to a full disposal of Thames Water

Expansion of a London online fashion site for fashionistas in North America and Asia

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:33:06 GMT

Give your Jimmy Choos and your Louboutins a rest and let your fingers take the shopping strain!

Strewth mate - the bankers are sniffing round my wardrobe!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:47:04 GMT

This could be a healthy start to 2012 for Private Equity in the Oceanic region

Even more technology to confuse and mystify those of us who are technophobes

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:02:34 GMT

I can completely understand why BSkyB have invested in a young company whose service dovetails perfectly with the social networking phenomenon that appears to be heading towards world dominance.

2011 deal activity, Christmas and the New Year – all gone in the blink of an eye

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:31:04 GMT

Happy New Year to you all and off we go again into another year

Festive birds on the menu for everyone

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:44:05 GMT

Anyone for KFC on Christmas day?

La Senza looks for some “Spandex”

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:45:12 GMT

The retail recession is now biting so deep that even non-mediocre businesses who have built up successful globally recognised brands are struggling to survive.

Helly Hansen to sail off into the horizon?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:52:19 GMT

Jack Wolfskin, Ibex Outdoor Clothing, Halti Clothing and Mountain Warehouse have all found themselves forgoing one Private Equity owner for another

‘Tis the season to be jolly – it is, isn’t it?

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:57:01 GMT

It’s highly likely that Blacks won’t be the last retailer to stick a “reduced – must sell” price tag on itself in the next few months

Chancellor offers more UK savers attractive incentives to become Business Angels

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:29:07 GMT

The autumn statement opened a window of opportunity for wealthier UK savers to become Business Angels

Carlyle linked to more Middle Eastern delights...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:46:20 GMT

The alleged investment would be further proof that that MENA remains interesting to private equity buyers

The Indian Tiger Economy becomes fair game for supermarket giants

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:51:14 GMT

I can foresee the first rumours breaking imminently

Northern Rock finally gets a new home

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:54:12 GMT

It has taken two years and seven months but finally Virgin Money was the successful bidder

M&A – could this be a revolutionary new way of dealing with the NHS?

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:13:13 GMT

What do we as consumers of the NHS service have to loose from a radical new procedure being tried out on a tired and desperate old patient?

News Corp looks for greater divine intervention and forgiveness from a wider audience

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:29:46 GMT

In the light of this year's News of the World scandal, News Corp is looking to seek forgiveness for its sins

You too can be a Business Angel...

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:11:51 GMT

Before I attended the conference I had a picture in my mind of a Business Angel

Mengniu Mengniu the milk snatcher…

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:24:06 GMT

Yesterday the FT’s website broke the story of a possible bid by Mengniu Dairy for the Pfizer baby food unit

Proof that having your head in the clouds works!

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:57:15 GMT

Dropbox, the San Francisco-based digital file sharing service, has announced that it has raised $250m in additional new funding.

Fortuitous move by Sony, or perfect timing of a strategic plan?

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:37:24 GMT

Maybe, just maybe, Sony could bring another genuine smartphone to the market

BC Partners in fine health and linked to another exit

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:36:25 GMT

So far 2011 has been a busy year for London-based BC Partners

Lisa will be back soon

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:39:44 GMT

Lisa is unavailable for blogging at the moment, but please check back soon. You can access all her previous blogs here.

Anything Samsung can do…

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:26:07 GMT

When we look more closely at the deal it becomes a lot more interesting.

Yet another luxury brand looks East

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:42:03 GMT

Barely a couple of weeks pass without another company that is classed as a luxury brand being linked to a listing in Asia.

One important week to go to the end of Q3

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:42:51 GMT

...and it’s going to have to be a good one if 2011 is to get back on the deal track!

BMI – yet another sorry chapter in British aviation history?

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:05:35 GMT

Things must be bad if Lufthansa can’t fix BMI

China’s growing interest in non-traditional snacks

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:14:48 GMT

I can see Chinese supermarkets stocked with “New Zealand’s favorite biscuits” before long

Tesco turning Japanese no longer

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:17:54 GMT

It remains to be seen who will come forward with their Clubcard to purchase the Japanese business.

Market interest in India’s pharma companies is on the climb again

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:20:57 GMT

It’s no surprise to see that pharmaceutical conglomerates around the world have looked in recent times to India for their next big deals

Manchester United linked with Asian IPO goal

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:26:30 GMT

This is the latest in a long line of stories linking the Glazers to a partial or full sale of the club.

Another luxury brand to roar away on the HKEx?

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:38:42 GMT

There are many more miles to be travelled before this deal rides off into the sunset.

New markets targeted by Japan’s Asahi Group

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:19:55 GMT

If you had to pick a country in Asia Pacific where you could be confident alcohol sales would remain fairly constant, Australia would be a good starting point.

Who might buy all the pies?

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:34:21 GMT

I can’t say whether this deal is of concern to pie eaters around the world.

Upmarket twist to the canteen dinner

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:44:32 GMT

Are the rest of us are not worthy of luxurious food treats?

News Corp to play the long game?

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:46:30 GMT

Only time will tell if Digger will get his way

How to rescue a deal – the News Corp way

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:52:35 GMT

This is a canny move by Mr Murdoch for a number of reasons

How to jeopardise a deal – the News Corp way

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:38:31 GMT

Rupert Murdoch is a man used to getting what he wants; this might be the one occasion where even his own ruthlessness might not save him.

Live Nation is considering taking its self out of the public eye

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:29:10 GMT

It’s definitely easier to move forward without being under the watchful eye of the world’s analysts and public shareholders.

Nestle in discussions to bring "good food and good life" to China

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:38:11 GMT

It's very easy to understand the attraction of Hsu Fu to potential suitors

The online effect continues

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:49:51 GMT

Small numbers of today's dotcom equivalents are profitable, but at least they actually have revenues.

2011 - H1 - does one swallow make a summer?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:04:53 GMT

If you were only to measure global M&A activity by news headlines, then the first half of 2011 would lead you to believe that everything is very rosy in the M&A garden.

Publicis continues to embrace BRIC economies

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:40:59 GMT

Russia appears to be the only BRIC market Publicis is being slow to enter.

The ongoing rehabilitation of Northern Rock

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:37:01 GMT

Imagine the irony if within the next year Northern Rock ended up a public company once again.

Football – the latest follower of fashions

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:45:59 GMT

A new listing would complete the circle.

Footwear deals keep on walking

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:36:54 GMT

55 deals this year involving footwear companies

M&A's future dealmakers

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:43:56 GMT

There was I thinking it was solely about the deal fees.

WM Morrison looks to freeze out its rivals

Mon, 23 May 2011 11:34:34 GMT

I’m sure there will be a number of hurdles before this one gets packed away and delivered.

IPO mania hits both sides of the Atlantic

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:15:44 GMT

Yesterday saw the start of conditional trading of shares for Glencore International, the Swiss based commodities producer, on the London Stock Exchange.

Skype - the ultimate cash cow for its shareholders despite no profits yet

Wed, 11 May 2011 09:54:43 GMT

So it has finally happened, Microsoft swooped yesterday.

Southern sandwich snackers get yet more healthy options…

Mon, 09 May 2011 13:52:14 GMT

Pod Food Ltd, the UK’s fastest growing healthy fast food chain, has in the last few days secured an additional £3.5m of investment to assist it in the next stage of its growth.

Where there’s muck there’s brass

Tue, 03 May 2011 09:44:46 GMT

I don’t think any one of us will not be aware of the growth industry that recycling and eco- friendly products or services has become over the last decade.

One of the largest deals of the year may bring relief in years to come to those aching and aging body parts!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:51:11 GMT

If you look at the 2010 annual report, you could mistake the opening pages for a futuristic designed jewellery catalogue.

The world’s ongoing demand for raw materials evidenced via another big deal

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:47:53 GMT

Over to you Minmetals – it’s your move.

Bristol Cars go back to their roots; could they be in line for an environmentally friendly re-design?

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:48:37 GMT

It will be interesting to see how Fraser Nash proceeds with its plan for Bristol Cars.

News Corp rumoured to be looking at Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One empire

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:00:23 GMT

Expect a price significantly higher than was paid by CVC in 2006 and an accompanying media circus.

Virgin Active flexes its muscles again

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:37:54 GMT

Only time will tell whether this potential acquisition adds further strength to Virgin Active.

When is a brand you know not a brand you actually know?

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:19:26 GMT

The key to this for me is the brands that Gold Toe represent have got a clear intrinsic value to the acqurior.

The Radio Times is under review from private equity

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:50:19 GMT

As ever in the world of publishing – watch this space.

Moonpig founders get their noses in the trough

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:41:24 GMT

Will Moonpig’s backers receive a personalised thank you card on exit?

Popcorn, hotdogs and 3D glasses needed to watch this screenplay develop

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:17:22 GMT

A number of sources have linked BC Partners as a possible buyer for the UK-based Odeon cinema chain.

Q1 2011 deal making seems immune to natural disasters and conflict in the Middle East

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:03:05 GMT

Looking at deal activity by value as we approach the end of Q1 2011 brings some interesting questions to mind.

When in Rome . . .

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:33:37 GMT

Is Italy looking to protect its key companies from its most acquisitive neighbour?

Bookshops - a throwback to yesteryear?

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:37:55 GMT

Yesterday the Sunday Times carried an article suggesting that HMV might try to improve its burdensome debt position by possibly selling off Waterstone’s, the nationwide book chain.

LVMH has the luggage and the jewels; could the latest accessory in the wardrobe be Jimmy Choo?

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:55:18 GMT

Speculation has been growing in the press that LVMH could be interested in making a bid for Jimmy Choo.

Angry Birds grow on Apple, to hatch a potential nest egg

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:28:22 GMT

It’s not what you develop but, as ever, the timing of your developments and who your products become associated with.

Stock exchange consolidation

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:05:12 GMT

All things considered this is quite a frenetic start to the year.

Speculation mounts as to the high profile buyer of Norwich & Peterborough Building Society

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:32:04 GMT

When one thinks of financial centres around the world, the mind doesn’t automatically jump to the city of Peterborough.

No rest for the Octogenarian Sage of Omaha

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:20:07 GMT

Yesterday shareholders in Berkshire Hathaway will have received their annual letter from Warren Buffett.

Valuation Groundhog Day

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:03:20 GMT

There are many who argue that everything is cyclical whether it be the weather, fashions, the economy or even - in the case of deal making - valuations.

Dealmaker “Dave”

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:39:24 GMT

Given that he is in deal-making mode perhaps he might turn his attention to the issues still facing many small to mid-market deal makers in the UK.

Deal fever hits Mongolia

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:06:26 GMT

Yes you have read the headline correctly; and no I am not making this up.

Who says everyone wants to eat healthily?

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:45:52 GMT

Actually on a global level there is nothing we like more than tripping off to fast food joints

A wolf in wolf’s clothing

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:47:05 GMT

Good strong portfolio companies are just too tempting to resist

Chewing gum - the next new wonder drug?

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:21:58 GMT

If someone can produce a chewing gum that dissolves when landing on tarmac - then that's a company I would pay a lot of money for!

These boots were made for walking, sorry I meant profit . . .

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:24:08 GMT

This deal really is testimony to the fact that some fundamentally sound businesses got caught up in the financial crisis by virtue of them being private equity-invested companies.

Families, who needs them when it comes to deals…

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:32:16 GMT

One of my more recent blogs was about Elisabeth Murdoch potentially selling her remaining stake in her company Shine Entertainment back to her father's company News Corp.

Calmer skies for one airline, more turbulent skies for another

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:30:33 GMT

This deal is testimony to the determination of boards wanting to get a deal done.

The ultimate in industry consolidation and family dealmaking

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:10:38 GMT

It was reported last week that News Corp, Rupert Murdoch's media empire, is in talks to buy Shine Entertainment, the UK-based film and television company.

A new year, a new lease of M&A life

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:33:45 GMT

With just under two weeks of the year gone things are looking better deal-wise than they have for a long time.

IPOs 1: Secondary buyouts 0

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:29:48 GMT

If the IPO of ISS proceeds then the first major exit of the year will be to the capital markets rather than to a secondary buyout.

Another year gone, here we go with 2011

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:50:16 GMT

First of all I would like to wish everyone a happy new year and a successful 2011.

Lisa is away

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:25:19 GMT

You can get Lisa's M&A analysis again here in the New Year.

A deal ode to Christmas

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:30:31 GMT

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat

When sport mimics corporate life

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:46:04 GMT

I can't wait to see the new Blackburn Rovers “CEO” emerge from the Lancashire hills.

Will the Christmas deal rush arrive?

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:44:11 GMT

I for one will be hoping that the Christmas elves start delivering what we are all hoping for – deals!

Is the Chinese Dragon looking to pastures further afield?

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:34:03 GMT

A starting breath of dragon fire rather than a full-scale assault.

Walmart rethinks its shopping plans

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:40:43 GMT

The entry of a supermarket superpower like Walmart should only be good for customers.

Tesco’s Chinese takeaway

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:51:20 GMT

200-plus hypermarkets in China is significant organic rather than acquisitive growth. Imagine the club points!

Ireland’s monetary crisis and its potential domino effect on UK deals

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:53:58 GMT

The UK M&A community has good reasons for hoping that the IMF or the UK government will step in to help.

Two sides to the LDC story

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:56:32 GMT

Isn’t there an argument that Lloyds owning LDC is a good thing?

China – the must-visit destination for the world’s leaders, what about deal makers?

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:24:04 GMT

The issue comes down to the difficulties companies face when trying to do deals in the region.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:51:36 GMT

I suspect this morning those on the advisory side of private equity deals have breathed a sigh of incredulous relief.

Private equity deals are showing signs of an end-of-year flourish

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:58:24 GMT

Maybe, just maybe, this is the stimulus the global M&A market needs.

October – a month of contradictions

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:57:40 GMT

I find myself trying to decide whether we will end up referring to 2010 as the year that M&A showed signs of recovery.

Africa as the next emerging market – maybe we should look more closely?

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:51:51 GMT

I have just had the privilege of attending and speaking at a private equity conference in South Africa...

Positive outlook from Nordic advisors

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:04:01 GMT

Last week I was in Scandinavia and I had the pleasure of meeting with a number of Nordic-based M&A professionals from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Quarter 3 2010 - is this the time for optimism?

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:51:38 GMT

So we are at the end of Q3 and looking at the numbers, deal activity doesn't appear to have been that bad.

Betfair v Ocado - battle of the tech lPOs

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:48:37 GMT

Betfair’s IPO will provide an interesting case to compare with Ocado but there are two substantial differences that should mean the Betfair IPO becomes the more successful.

If Hollywood meets Bollywood, art mimics real life deal making

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:41:54 GMT

Evidence would suggest that the BRIC countries could be responsible for helping 2010’s deal numbers look a little more respectable.

A not-so-little piece of home in Thailand

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:23:10 GMT

The idea of nipping from the picturesque beaches of Thailand over the road to a Tesco isn’t my idea of paradise.

Young Chinese shopping obsession driving investment in online retail

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:20:06 GMT

It was fascinating to see the first significant venture capital investment into a pure-play online retailer in China.

Friday 13th - not unlucky for some in M&A

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:58:34 GMT

It remains to be seen if the last two weeks was the usual autumn deal season starting early or just an Indian summer.

The M&A crop circle

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:01:04 GMT

As consumers we might be having to pay more for our food but at least it is easily accessible.

Looking for some bright spots in the current summer gloom

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:53:09 GMT

I have hope for the deal making community when I return from my holiday – should I actually get there!

Skyping all over the world

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:18:49 GMT

Skype is a company that has fascinated me since I discovered its services. Being the technological luddite that I am, I have to admit that I wasn’t one of the first adopters of their services, more like user number 15 million and one – some four years after it launched!

Spanish Banking Group continues its buying spree

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:53:40 GMT

Last week there seemed to be only one story dominating the financial press, this being the return to health – aka declaration of substantial profits – of the four main UK banks. This story ran and ran and was one of the few financial stories that crossed over to pretty much all of the mainstream newspapers.

The ongoing obsession with the Beautiful Game

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:08:45 GMT

Yesterday I picked up the Sunday Times to see that Liverpool FC were being linked to a mystery Syrian bidder. This morning the mystery Syrian bidder has turned in to a Chinese businessman named Kenny Huang.

There’s a new bank in town – well London town anyway

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:54:48 GMT

Today sees the opening of the first Metro Bank store in London. This is the first UK consumer bank to have opened in over a century, which is a refreshing change given the chaos that ensued in the UK consumer banking space at the height of the credit crunch in 2008.

M&A food deals feed the hunger pangs of private equity buyers

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Recently there have been a number of articles in the press regarding high profile deals in the food sector. Upon digging a little deeper using Zephyr, I found evidence that the food sector has been gathering upward momentum in terms of deal activity.

Not all oil leaks are equal

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT

When the blow out of the BP Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico occurred, the world’s media became aware of it and reported it around the globe pretty much instantaneously.

Investors squeeze Ocado before they buy

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:57:44 GMT

If you wish to pick Ocado up and give it a squeeze or look at it in comparison with the next item on the shelf it’s a bit hard to know what to compare it to.

Media mogul looking to broaden horizons

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT

The last few days has seen increased media speculation as to who the new owner of Channel 5 Broadcasting may be. At the moment it’s looking like Richard Desmond, the owner of the Daily Express and OK! magazine, is likely to be the successful party.

The pursuit of BP by corporate America

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:20:43 GMT

It’s really no surprise that BP has found itself the centre of many takeover stories and the resulting share movement has been influenced not only by the disaster but I would suspect by share speculators as well.

The not so beautiful game

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:58:54 GMT

Watching last night’s World Cup final, where the Dutch national team turned to a style of play against the Spanish that could definitely not be considered to be “total football”, set me wondering if this type of over-enthusiastic approach had been seen in the world of M&A deals between the two countries.