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.
(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 […]
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – German conglomerate Evonik is amenable to financial investors as it looks to sell a minority stake in its energy division, chief executive Klaus Engel said in a newspaper interview on Thursday. “We are open to any attractive partner. Anyone with a good business concept and and sound finances is attractive,” the CEO […]
PARIS/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – French power company EDF (EDF.PA) said it was pressing on with the next stage of a potential sale of its British distribution arm, ending speculation that management changes had blocked the process. An EDF spokeswoman said on Wednesday details had been sent to potential buyers, confirming what two sources familiar with the […]
LONDON/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - British mobile phone giant Vodafone (VOD.L) has decided against bidding for Germany's largest cable televison operator Kabel Deutschland, leaving a cluster of private equity firms in the driving seat. "We reject media reports along these lines," a spokesman for Vodafone Germany said when asked if Vodafone was bidding. Reuters reported this week that private equity firms including Advent, BC Partners and Carlyle were set to submit offers and could team up because of the amount of equity that would be needed to launch a credible bid.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Penton Business Media Holdings Inc, a publisher of 113 trade magazines such as Ward’s AutoWorld, Restaurant Hospitality and National Hog Farmer, has filed for bankruptcy protection as part of a restructuring intended to eliminate $270 million of debt. Wednesday’s filing came after Penton, like many other publishers, struggled with a decline […]
LONDON (Reuters) – British budget fashion retailer Matalan has abandoned a process that could have seen founder and owner John Hargreaves sell the business. Matalan said in a statement it had closed down the potential sale process for the business, without giving a reason. However, a source close to the sale discussions said offers that […]
KKR and Premier Natural Resources LLC have formed a partnership to invest in North American oil and gas properties. No financial terms were disclosed.
BERLIN (Reuters) – Private equity firm 3i Group (III.L) is considering bidding for assets being sold by the British government, its chief executive said on Wednesday. The London-listed private equity firm, which has done no new buyout deals for almost a year, is also looking to raise a new 1 billion-euro ($1.38 billion) growth capital […]