Western Europe

Apollo to acquire warehouse food stores

The New York-based firm will buy Los Angeles-based Smart & Final in a deal worth nearly $813m.

Carlyle backs management buyout of advertising company

The Mill, a UK advertising visual effects company, has been bought by The Carlyle Group and the management team for an undisclosed sum, thought to be more than £50m.

TowerBrook ties up Jimmy Choo deal

TowerBrook Capital Partners has bought iconic UK shoemaker Jimmy Choo in a £185 million deal, generating a substantial return for previous owners Lion Capital in just over two years.

Baird acquires two play set makers

The firm will combine the two companies—Backyard Adventures and Leisure Time Products—into one: Backyard Leisure.

Atlantic Bridge acquires Logica’s telecoms business

European private equity firm Atlantic Bridge Ventures has bought Logica’s telecoms business in a deal that announces the final close of the firm’s first fund on €100m.

Apax Partners takes 27 percent stake in GFI Informatique

Apax Partners has invested €56 million in a French information technology services company that is hoping to double revenues to €1bn in three to five years.

Double whammy for PPM in Germany(3)

The mid-market buyout group reportedly trying to win its independence from UK insurer Prudential has done two deals today in Germany.

Blackstone leads the bidding for Apax healthcare asset

Blackstone and the Wallenbergs take an early lead in the €3 billion race for Mölnlycke, a Swedish medical products manufacturer.

TPG, Apollo to buy Harrah’s for $17bn(3)

After months of negotiation, the board of the gaming company has agreed to a sweetened offer from the two private equity firms.

Investcorp buys inspection company from Close Brothers for $311m(3)

Investcorp has made its first investment in the energy sector with the $311 million acquisition of an inspection services company from Close Brothers.