Catella has acted as exclusive financial adviser to Guy Hands in raising financing for the acquisition of McDonald’s Nordic operations. The parties have signed a share sale and purchase agreement and agreed on the master franchise agreement.   Hands will become the development licensee (DL) for the Nordic markets.  

Transcend Corporate has acted as lead adviser to the shareholders of AlwaysON Group (AOG) on its sale to Cloud Direct, for an undisclosed sum. Bracknell, Berkshire- based AOG is a GBP5.5 million revenue provider of unified communications (UC), data communication and managed data services to UK headquartered organisations, primarily mid-sized

ARX Equity Partners together with food industry entrepreneur Keith Dilworth are to acquire Nutricia Deva from Danone Group. Deva is a Czech Republic based producer of baby fruit desserts and fruit drinks, with total annual capacity of 24,000 tons. It also holds bio and organic certifications.   ARX and Dilworth

Inflexion has supported CloserStill Media’s acquisition of iLearning Forum in France. Recently ranked number 10 in The Sunday Times HSBC International FastTrack 200 for the UK’s fastest growing exporters, CloserStill operates content-led exhibitions throughout the UK, Europe and the Far East.   Its acquisition of iLearning Forum further expands the

Private equity Thoma Bravo has completed its acquisition of Planview, a specialist in work and resource management (WRM). Insight Venture Partners, a prior investor in Planview, retains a minority shareholding in the company. Financial details have not been disclosed.   Planview is the market leader in WRM, an emerging category

An affiliate of private equity firm Veritas Capital is to acquire Harris Corporation’s government IT services business for USD690 million in cash. Proceeds from the transaction will be used to support the company’s capital allocation strategy, including pension pre-funding and share repurchases.   The transaction is subject to regulatory review

An affiliate of private equity investor Sun Capital Partners has completed the acquisition of Arrow Tru-Line (Arrow), a manufacturer and distributor of garage door hardware and fittings. Terms of the private transaction have not been disclosed. Founded in 1970, Arrow Tru-Line has built its brand on providing a wide range

The Longfort Group, through L Concepts, has completed its acquisition of Scoozi Italian Restaurant, its maiden acquisition in Thailand. Scoozi has 24 branches located across the Great Bangkok area having opened its first location in downtown Bangkok in 2004.   It specialises in Neapolitan-style pizzas made in traditional wood-fired ovens.