German special situations private equity firm Mutares has acquired Hirschvogel Incorporated, a US steel forging and machining components supplier to Ford, Metallus and Dana, in the firm’s ninth acquisition this year and its first US deal.

Private equity firm Carlyle Group is in exclusive discussions to purchase Baxter International’s kidney care spinoff, Vantive, in a deal valued at around $4bn including debt, according to reports by Reuters and the Wall Street Journal.

Private equity major KKR is exploring the possibility of restarting the sale process for Goodpack, a Singapore-based global supply chain and logistics company, in a deal that could be worth several billion dollars, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

Pacific Avenue Capital Partners, a middle-market private equity firm specialising in carve-outs and complex situations, has closed its acquisition of KiddeFenwal, a designer and manufacturer of industrial and commercial fire suppression systems and safety controls.

IK Partners’ IK VIII Fund has entered into exclusive discussion to sell its stake in Mademoiselle Desserts, a European manufacturer of frozen pastries, to the Emmi Group. Financial terms of the proposed transaction have not been disclosed.

Private equity firm KKR & Co has agreed a deal to acquire Varsity Brands, a US manufacturer of sports uniforms and school yearbooks, from Bain Capital for approximately $4.75bn, including debt, according to a report by Reuters.