M&A
Novartis to buy US-based Cadent Therapeutics for up to $770m
Novartis has agreed to buy Massachusetts-based neuroscience company Cadent Therapeutics for up to $770m.
Cranswick in talks over potential acquisition of pet food business
Food producer Cranswick confirmed on Wednesday that it is currently engaged in a process regarding the potential acquisition of UK pet food business Inspired Pet Nutrition Limited, which owns the Harringtons and Wagg brands.
Ascential expands in China, Brazil with acquisitions
Data and analytics company Ascential on Wednesday said it had made acquisitions in China and Brazil.
Eli Lilly to buy Prevail Therapeutics; lifts 2020 guidance
Eli Lilly said on Tuesday that it has agreed to buy gene therapy company Prevail Therapeutics in a deal valued at $1. 04bn, as it boosted its guidance for 2020.
JD Sports buys US retailer Shoe Palace for $325m
JD Sports Fashion said it has bought US-based Shoe Palace for $325m along with an equity share in the enlarged group for the company’s founders.
Drax sells gas assets for £193m
Power generator Drax said it had sold its gas assets to VPI Holding for £193. 3m as it moved towards its 2030 target of becoming carbon negative.
Arkema strikes €1.2bn plastics deal with Trinseo
France’s Arkema is to offload its PMMA business to plastics specialist Trinseo in a €1. 2bn deal, it was announced on Monday.
Codemasters agrees £945m sale to Electronic Arts
Codemasters Group has agreed to be bought for about £945m by Electronic Arts (EA) of the US in a deal that eclipses a previously agreed bid from Take-Two Interactive.
Vivendi in exclusive talks to buy Prisma Media
France’s Vivendi said on Monday that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Germany's Gruner + Jahr/Bertelsmann to buy publishing group Prisma Media.
Capita to sell education business to Montagu Private Equity
Outsourcer Capita has agreed to sell its Education Software Solutions business to Tiger UK, a newly-formed company established by funds advised by Montagu Private Equity.
Vista Equity to buy Pluralsight in $3.5bn deal
Private equity firm Vista Equity Partners has agreed to buy software maker Pluralsight in a $3. 5bn deal.
Aviva to sell Vietnam life unit as Asia retreat continues
Aviva has agreed to sell its life insurance business in Vietnam to Manulife in the UK company's latest move to retreat from Asia.
AstraZeneca to buy US drug maker Alexion in $39bn deal
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said it was buying US drug developer Alexion in a cash and shares deal worth $39bn.
CMA launches phase 2 investigation into £31bn Virgin O2 merger
The Competition and Markets Authority said on Friday that it has launched an in-depth investigation into the proposed £31bn merger of Virgin Media and O2.
Calisen to be bought by consortium in £1.4bn deal
Calisen said on Friday that it has agreed to be bought by a consortium of investors led by BlackRock Alternatives Management in a deal that values the smart meter company at £1. 4bn.
Zurich Insurance to buy MetLife’s property & casualty business for $3.94bn
Zurich Insurance said on Thursday that it has agreed, along with the Farmers Exchanges, to buy MetLife’s property and casualty business in the US for $3. 94bn.
Quilter considering sale of international operations
Quilter, formerly Old Mutual Wealth Management, confirmed on Thursday that it is considering selling its international operations.
Elementis shares slide as Minerals Technologies walks away
Speciality chemicals company Elementis slumped on Thursday after US-based Minerals Technologies said it will not proceed with a proposed bid for the group, after its third offer was rejected.
Electrocomponents unveils £150m in acquisitions, £180m placing
Industrial and electronics products group Electrocomponents on Thursday unveiled two acquisitions worth £150m and a £180m share placing.