In a review of 1,350 deals done between 2007-2011, CMS’ fourth annual M&A Study highlights some key differences in the legal provisions used in merger & acquisition agreements across Europe and the US. Thomas Meyding, Head of CMS Corporate Group, says: "2011 was a good year for sellers. The fact that there are a few more buyers looking to do deals, and particularly private equity houses with funds to invest, means that sellers can be more robust in their negotiations. However, our analysis of the deal structures used illustrates some fascinating variations in international markets. For businesses looking to do

Encore Capital has completed an investment into Technical Software Consultants Limited (TSC), a designer and manufacturer of non-destructive testing equipment. The transaction was supported by Octopus Investments (Octopus), which provided a GBP3m facility to enable the acquisition. Encore has acquired a majority shareholding, providing a partial exit for TSC’s two owners, David Topp and Martin Lugg, who will continue as directors and shareholders in the business.   TSC uses its proprietary electromagnetic ACFM technique to detect and size cracks in metals. Established in 1984, TSC is highly profitable, selling its equipment globally via an international network spanning over 40 countries.

Balance Water Inc has closed on a Series A financing round from Emil Capital Partners, Thomas H Lee and Hugh Jackman. Balance is a non-flavoured functional beverage bottled locally in California, New York, Sydney, Australia and next month in Cologne, Germany. Its point of difference is the use of wild harvested Australian flowers that it infuses into its five main products, Mind, Relax, Refresh, Digest and Travel. Similar in function and benefit to certain herbal teas, though without any flavour, the Balance range is expanding out of specialised natural products channels into mainstream retail. "We’ve worked hard over several years

Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) has acquired Pentech Holdings, Inc (Pentec) from DW Healthcare Partners, Frazier Healthcare and Pentec management. Pentec is a national provider of specialty infusion services to patients who require access to complex pharmaceutical products and services outside of the hospital setting. Pentec Chairman and CEO, Joe Cosgrove, says: “I am extraordinarily pleased to embark on a new phase of Pentec’s growth strategy with such an outstanding partner as NEP. We are fortunate to have forged a relationship with an organisation that shares our commitment to patient-centric healthcare as well as our vision for continued pursuit of excellence and

Hipmunk has closed a USD15 million Series B financing round led by Institutional Venture Partners (IVP). Todd Chaffee (pictured), General Partner at IVP, will join Hipmunk’s board of directors. Existing angel investors and the Series A lead, Ignition Partners, also participated in the round. "IVP has a highly successful 31 year track record of investing in innovative technology and travel companies,” says Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Hipmunk. "We’re very excited to work with IVP, and Todd in particular. He brings tremendous experience, relationships and strategic sense to our crazy, competitive industry.” Todd had led venture capital investments in well

Middle market private equity firm Centre Partners has acquired Taylor Precision Products from Homedics.  Taylor, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is the leading North American marketer of a wide range of consumer and foodservice precision measurement products, including kitchen scales, thermometers and timers; bath scales; and outdoor weather measurement products, under a variety of owned and licensed brand names including Taylor, HoMedics and Salter. Taylor’s heritage dates back over 160 years and the company boasts a reputation for providing accurate and high-quality products to a diverse spectrum of retail customers, ranging from high-end specialty stores to mass merchandisers, hardware stores,

OMERS Private Equity – the private equity arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest pension funds – has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lifeways from August Equity for an undisclosed sum, backing Paul Marriner, CEO in a secondary Management buy-out. Lifeways is the UK’s market leading provider of supported living services for adults with learning disabilities. Via its national network of 33 offices, Lifeways enables service users to live more independently and take control of how their care and support is planned and delivered, giving them greater empowerment over decisions affecting their lives. Lifeways supports more than 3,400 people,

ProTip SA, a Strasbourg (France)based emerging medical device company, announces today a USD4.7million (EUR3.8m) Series C financing round. The round was led by new VC investor Seventure, along with existing investors including Fonds Lorrain des Matériaux (FLM), the Berchet familyoffice, Alsace Amorçage and other private investors. ProTip will use the funding to complete the company’s first human clinical trial of its ENTegral device, the world’s first permanent implant to replace the larynx in patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy. It will also launch wider trials with the aim of bringing the implant to market. Since inception, ProTip has raised

Silicon Valley Bank, financial partner to the technology, life science, cleantech, private equity and venture capital industries, has opened a full service commercial banking branch in London to serve both local and international businesses. The first US  bank to open a commercial banking branch in the UK in several years, Silicon Valley Bank is offering a full suite of products and services to innovation businesses in the UK, including current and deposit accounts, loans, cash management services, trade finance and foreign exchange.   Greg Becker, CEO and President of Silicon Valley Bank, says: “The opening of a Silicon Valley Bank