Western Europe

Lion snaps up Russian juice maker

The UK-based buyout firm, which specialises in branded consumer businesses, has bought Russian juice maker Nidan Soki as it nears the close of its second fund.

Kelso raises £50m from Sepura float(3)

Turnaround specialist Kelso Place has raised nearly £50 million by floating a 25 percent stake in Sepura, a UK radio maker it bought out of administration for £1 five years ago.

3i infrastructure fund goes into oil tank storage(3)

3i said today it had already invested half of the £700 million listed infrastructure fund it raised in March, after buying a minority stake in three oil tank storage operations.

BVCA trebles wages to attract big hitter(2)

The UK private equity industry’s trade body has reportedly trebled the salary on offer to its chief executive, as it attempts to bring in a heavyweight external figure with the contacts and credibility to restore its reputation.

Boots second lien syndication postponed indefinitely(2)

The underwriting banks syndicating the Alliance Boots debt package have pulled the second lien tranche of the debt package, just a week after they were forced to postpone syndication of the senior debt for the deal.

Campbell to become chairman if Three Delta triumphs, Mellor not involved(3)

Three Delta has confirmed Tony Campbell will become chairman of UK supermarket Sainsbury’s if its offer succeeds, although the Sainsbury family is reportedly set against the deal.

Duke Street grows operating partner team

L’Oréal veteran Thierry Paternot is joining Duke Street Capital as its eleventh operating partner as the firm deploys its latest fund.

Bain promotes private equity expert

The global business consulting firm has promoted private equity expert Cyrus Jilla to become managing partner of its UK operations.

Godiva may hit auction block

Campbell’s will explore strategic options for its Godiva Chocolatier business, as the company refocuses on its core products and expands its soups into Russia and China.

Blackstone makes first investment in China

The Blackstone Group has taken a minority stake in a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Chemical Corporation, as it continues to build relations with the Chinese government.