Lawrence Aragon

KKR, Bain among bidders for Tyco's $1.6 bln S. Korea unit

KKR & Co LP and Bain Capital are among suitors which have placed initial bids for Tyco International Inc’s South Korean security systems unit, a business valued at about $1.6 billion, people familiar with the matter told sister news service Reuters.

Thomas H. Lee in talks to buy Phillips Pet Food

Private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners LP is in advanced talks to acquire Phillips Pet Food & Supplies in a deal that could value the pet food distribution company at more than $500 million, according to three people familiar with the matter.

Buyout firms jostle for John Hardy in jewelery M&A boom

Jeweler John Hardy is attracting bid interest from a string of U.S. private equity firms, sources close to the matter said, the latest potential deal in a sector outpacing the broader luxury industry thanks in part to financially independent Asian women, sister news service Reuters reported.

Pearson sells Mergermarket for 382 mln pounds to PE firm BC Partners

British media and education group Pearson said it has sold its M&A-focused Mergermarket news service for 382 million pounds ($624 million) to funds advised by private equity group BC Partners, sister news service Reuters reported.

Danaher, Blackstone in joint bid for Ashland water unit

Industrial conglomerate Danaher Corp and private equity firm Blackstone Group LP are pursuing a joint bid for chemicals manufacturer Ashland Inc’s water technologies unit, two people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday, in a deal that could top $1.5 billion, sister news service Reuters reported.

Sycamore, Crescendo-backed Aeropostale adopts poison pill

Struggling teen clothing retailer Aeropostale Inc, which has shareholders including private equity firms Crescendo Partners and Sycamore Partners Management, has adopted a poison pill that would be triggered if a stockholder buys 10 percent of the company, sister news service Reuters reported.

British crowdfunding site to allow cross-border investment

Seedrs will allow individuals invest as little as 10 pounds through its site and plans to tap investors across Europe

Sycamore in talks to buy Jones Group for less than $16 a share

Private equity firm Sycamore Partners LLC is in advanced talks to acquire apparel retailer Jones Group Inc and is working toward a deal in the next few weeks, according to sources familiar with the process, sister news service Reuters reported.

Apollo, THL explore Capella Healthcare buyout

Buyout firms Apollo Global Management LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP are interested in buying hospital operator Capella Healthcare from its private equity owner, according to several people familiar with the matter, sister news service Reuters reported.

TPG, Abraaj team up against KKR for Saudi fast-food chain

TPG Capital and Abraaj Group have teamed up to compete against KKR & Co as the private equity firms eye a majority stake in Saudi Arabian fast-food chain Kudu, three banking and industry sources told sister news service Reuters.