The total value of UK mergers, acquisitions, flotations, rights issues and placements was GBP229 billion for 2011, an increase of 11 per cent on 2010, according to Experian Corpfin. The overall volume remained fairly constant, dropping by only two per cent. The value of UK Large transactions (those exceeding £100m

Olympus Partners has acquired NPC International, Inc (NPC), the largest Pizza Hut franchisee and the largest franchisee of any restaurant concept in the United States. The company operates 1,153 Pizza Hut units (approximately 19 per cent of the domestic system) in 28 states with significant presence in the Midwest, South

The Gores Group, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, through an affiliate, has signed an agreement to acquire The Hay Group, one of the leading European manufacturers of high precision forged and machined components for engines, gearboxes and axles for the automotive, commercial vehicle and have not been disclosed. The

Savena Group and Sfinc Group, the European providers of food ingredient mixes, have agreed to a merger of the two companies. The combination will nearly double the size of Savena, which will become Savena Sfinc, and significantly increase its geographic footprint. The combined group will become a leading provider of

Private equity firm Stirling Square Capital Partners has acquired a majority interest in Italy’s Viscolube, a major European player in the used oil recycling sector. The stake is being acquired from Giorgio Carriero and his family, who will retain a minority interest. Carriero, who had previously acquired a minority stake

Private equity emerging markets investor Actis has invested USD71 million in Endurance Technologies Limited, a leading Indian auto component manufacturer. Endurance manufactures aluminium die castings, suspensions, transmissions and brakes with a specific focus on the motorcycle and scooter market and high end engine and transmission components for passenger and commercial

GMZ Energy has secured USD14 million in Series C financing. The new investment was led by Mitsui Ventures and includes I2BF Global Ventures, Energy Technology Ventures (a joint venture of GE, NRG Energy and ConocoPhillips), Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and BP Alternative Energy. With the new funding, GMZ will

Golden Seeds has closed its second fund with USD26.5 million in committed capital for investments in early stage, high growth companies across at least three sectors, including technology, life sciences and consumer goods. The fund already boasts eight portfolio companies: AboutOne – online household management system; Cognition Therapeutics – drug