Carlyle Group and SK Capital Partners have increased the upfront portion of their takeover bid for gene therapy developer bluebird bio, to $5 per share in cash from $3 per share plus a contingent value right, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday.

Starbucks Corp is actively exploring a potential strategic revamp of its operations in China and has begun engaging private equity firms, tech investors, and other strategic players as part of a process that may lead to a partial stake sale, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The Carlyle Group is seeking approximately $1.2bn through a syndicated loan to refinance debt linked to its 2021 acquisition of Indian IT services firm Hexaware Technologies, according to a report by Bloomberg citing unnamed sources familiar with the deal.

Bain Capital has exited the race to acquire Australian wealth manager Insignia Financial, walking away from a potential AUD3.34bn ($2.2bn) takeover amid heightened global market turbulence, the firm confirmed this week, according to a report by Reuters.

Bain Capital has agreed to acquire Japanese logistics group Nissin Corp. in a management buyout valued at approximately JPY112bn (USD75m), as the sector continues to attract strong private equity interest amid structural headwinds, according to a report by Bloomberg.

TA Associates is considering selling its majority stake in Accion Labs Holdings and is seeking a valuation of about $1bn for the Pittsburgh-based technology company, according to a report by Bloomberg citing people familiar with the plan.

Blackstone Infrastructure Partners, the infrastructure investment arm of Blackstone, is in advanced discussions to acquire TXNM Energy, the owner of New Mexico’s largest utility, according to a report by Bloomberg citing sources familiar with the matter.

Private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners has agreed to acquire high-growth, budget gym operator EoS Fitness in a transaction valuing the company at approximately $1.5bn, including debt, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

France’s professional football ecosystem is poised for a structural transformation with a proposed shift toward a Premier League-style, club-owned entity – backed by private equity heavyweight CVC Capital Partners, according to a report by Reuters.