Jan 19 2021, 12:18 PM
January 17 2021, 11:52 PM
January 19 2021, 12:18 PM
(Bloomberg)
(Bloomberg)
Two private equity firms waded into the bitter takeover battle between Suez SA and Veolia Environnement SA, but there was little indication that their involvement would break the stalemate.
Ardian SAS and Global Infrastructure Partners said Sunday theyâre prepared to make a friendly, 11.3 billion-euro ($13.6 billion) offer for French water utility Suez, which is trying to fend off a takeover attempt by arch rival Veolia.
Suez said it was ready to discuss the potential private-equity approach with Veolia, though stopped short of ending its months-long refusal to engage with Veoliaâs takeover proposal. Veolia countered that it would only discuss its own bid for Suez and had no intention of selling the 29.9% stake it bought in the company in October.
Blackstone, Bill Gates weigh US$4.3 billion Signature Aviation bid
Anthony Palazzo and Christopher Jasper, Bloomberg News
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Bill Gates joined the battle for Signature Aviation Plc, allying with Blackstone Group Inc.âs US$4.3 billion approach for the worldâs biggest operator of private jet bases.
Gatesâs Cascade Investment LLC, the No. 1 shareholder in Signature Aviation, and Blackstone are in advanced discussions with the London-based firm on a US$5.17-a-share cash offer, they said Friday in a statement. Signature had said in December it would accept an approach from Blackstone if a firm offer were made at that level.