Western Europe

BSMB in $284m shipping deal(2)

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking will buy international petroleum transporter MC Shipping for $284 million.

GI buys Napa Valley wineries(2)

GI Partners purchased a controlling stake in St. Helena, California-based Duckhorn Wine Company, whose labels include Duckhorn, Paraduxx and Goldeneye. Wine industry sources estimate the price paid in the $250 million range.

Hunter drops out of Dobbies bidding(2)

Tesco’s offer bid for Dobbies garden centre looks likely to succeed, after Tom Hunter’s West Coast Capital pulled out of the bidding.

Bridgepoint exits Marathon with sale to De Agostini(3)

Bridgepoint exits the Marathon Group, the French TV production company, through a sale to trade buyer De Agostini. It had built up the company through a buy and build strategy over the last nine years.

FF&P homes in on OKA(3)

Fleming Family & Partners, a UK asset manager, has bought a majority stake in UK home retail business OKA for an undisclosed amount.

Virgin Media confirms auction delay

The UK cable company has confirmed widespread reports that its auction has had to be postponed, as the volatility in the credit markets claims its latest victim.

Advent lands first UK PTP since credit crunch

European buyout firm Advent International has bought domestic goods insurer Domestic & General in one of the first public to private deals since problems in the debt markets began.

Waterland exits e-payment business(2)

Waterland Private Equity Investments and Prime Technology Ventures have sold GlobalCollect, an e-payment service provider, to General Atlantic for an undisclosed amount.

3i buys out Bestinvest(3)

The London-listed group has completed a management buyout of UK investment manager and financial advisor Bestinvest. It believes the prospects for organic growth are strong in a rapidly growing sector.

Carlyle venture arm exits semiconductor business

After two years of ownership, Carlyle’s European venture arm is selling French scientific equipment maker CAMECA to US trade player AMETEK for more than €80 million. The fund, which was launched with great fanfare in 1999 to target internet investments, was forced to broaden its remit after the dotcom crash.