Blackstone is to make a significant investment in South Korean robotics components manufacturer Futronic, strengthening its exposure to the fast-growing automation and industrial technology sectors, according to a report by Reuters.

Australian supermarket group Coles has ended discussions with private equity firm TPG Capital regarding a potential acquisition of Greencross Pet Wellness, bringing an end to negotiations that had attracted a cautious response from investors, according to a report by Reuters.

A consortium led by private equity firms KKR and Energy Capital Partners has increased its takeover proposal for Irish energy distribution group DCC for the second time in just over a month, valuing the company at up to £5.81bn ($7.9bn), according to a report by Reuters.

A majority of Recordati’s board has endorsed a €10.7bn take-private offer from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners and Belgian investment company Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, although four independent directors opposed the transaction, according to a report by Reuters.

Bridgepoint has agreed to acquire a majority stake in German laboratory testing specialist GBA Group from private equity firm Ardian in a transaction valuing the business at more than €1bn, according to a report by Reuters citing an unnamed person familiar with the deal.

KKR has agreed to acquire a 51% stake in Thomson Reuters’ Global Print business in a transaction valued at approximately $500m, with the parties forming a joint venture to manage the business as demand continues to shift from print to digital products, according to a report by Reuters.

Private equity firm I Squared Capital has agreed to sell a 25% stake in European transport equipment leasing company TIP Group to Investment Management Corporation of Ontario and GCM Grosvenor, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Francisco Partners is in advanced negotiations to acquire a controlling stake in construction software provider Command Alkon from fellow private equity firm Thoma Bravo in a transaction that could value the business at up to $1.3bn according to a report by Bloomberg.