Stobart Group, a UK provider of transport and logistics solutions, has agreed to dispose part of its Inland Ports asset to Legal & General Assurance Pensions Management for GBP61m rising to GBP62.5m on the satisfaction of further conditions.  A key element of the sale is a new 528,000 square feet sustainable distribution centre developed by Stobart Group.  This was recently announced as the new northern distribution centre for Tesco’s fresh operations. In addition, Stobart was confirmed as the transport contractor for Tesco from this distribution centre. The disposal value will generate an initial return on investment in the region of

Private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire CKE Restaurants, owner of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service restaurant chains, for approximately USD928m, including the assumption of approximately USD309m of net debt. Under the terms of the agreement, CKE stockholders will receive USD11.05 in cash for each share of CKE common stock they hold, representing a 24 per cent premium to the company’s closing share price on 25 February 2010 and a 29 per cent premium to the company’s volume weighted average closing share price of approximately USD8.60 during the 30 trading days

Diamond Foods has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire potato chips maker Kettle Foods from Lion Capital for USD615m in cash. Pursuant to the agreement, Diamond will acquire Kettle operations in both the US and the UK. The transaction is structured as a purchase of all of the outstanding shares of a parent holding company of the US and UK Kettle operating entities. It is expected to close by the end of Diamond’s fiscal year 2010, subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approval.   “Kettle Foods’ passion for making great tasting, natural potato chips has attracted a loyal consumer

DLA Piper has advised H.I.G. Europe, the European affiliate of private equity firm H.I.G. Capital, on its acquisition of Synseal Extrusions, a UK-based supplier of PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories. Synseal Extrusions was acquired from its founder, Gary Dutton MBE.   The transaction will see the management team of Synseal, led by chief executive officer David Leng, take a significant equity stake in the business. H.I.G. will work closely with management to support the company’s existing growth strategy focused on retaining and winning new customers, as well as help the business to increase its penetration in the new build and

Baidu, a Chinese language internet search provider, is to receive a USD50m investment from private equity firm Providence Equity Partners for its new online video company. The funds will be used to develop an advertising supported online video business providing premium licensed content in China. Baidu will continue to maintain majority ownership in the company. "The online video market has great potential for growth in China," says Robin Li, chief executive officer of Baidu. "Providence is our ideal partner in this space as it has rich experience in investing in and managing businesses that distribute licensed content online. With Baidu’s

Enerkem Technologies, a Canada-based provider of synthetic gas and other alternative fuels, has raised CAD53.8m in a venture capital funding round from Waste Management. Existing investors Rho Ventures, Braemar Energy Ventures, BDR Capital and Cycle Capital Management also participated in the funding round. The investment will support Enerkem’s growth plan, including initiating the construction of its second waste-to-biofuels plant. Morgan Stanley acted as adviser to Enerkem on this transaction.

The Aureos China Fund has completed a USD3.38m investment in Shanghai Fucheng Environmental Protection Engineering, a Chinese environmental protection company. The Aureos China Fund is managed by Aureos Capital, a private equity fund management company specialising in investing in small to medium-sized businesses in emerging markets.   SHFC specialises in water treatment engineering and operations, and provides wastewater treatment services to a wide range of buildings including high grade office buildings as well as 80 per cent of four and five-star hotels in Shanghai.   SHFC’s services range from the design and manufacturing of water treatment facilities through to their

CalStar Products has closed a USD15m equity investment to fund the growth and expansion of its green building materials business. Nth Power, a venture capital fund focused on energy and cleantech investing, led the equity round that includes new investors The Westly Group and Clearpoint Capital as well as continuing investors Foundation Capital and EnerTech Capital. CalStar’s fly ash bricks and pavers require 85 per cent less energy and generate 85 per cent less carbon dioxide in their manufacturing. In January, the company opened its first manufacturing plant in Caledonia, Wisconsin. CalStar has assembled a network of 29 brick dealers