Amanda Janis
The Brazilian private equity firm’s $1 billion acquisition of Pride International’s Latin American Land Drilling and E&P Services businesses is the firm’s first pan-Latin American investment. It is also the first time it has used leverage, and the firm’s – as well as the region’s – largest private equity deal to date.
Investment bank Goldman Sachs has expanded its private equity programme with the advent of GS Direct, a middle-market-focused investment division.
Blackstone units began to trade today above their $31 IPO price, climbing back from the $28.75 low it hit last Friday, the stock’s first trading day. The market could change directions again next week as US congressmen begin hearings on private equity.
A JPMorgan-led group of banks has reportedly been left holding the bag for $10 billion in loans relating to the Chrysler deal, while buyer Cerberus and seller Daimler will shoulder another $2 billion. Earlier today, underwriters of KKR’s Alliance Boots deal also postponed debt syndication.
Activity in the electronic payment space continues with the Blackstone Group’s agreement to buy Dallas, Texas-based Alliance Data, a provider of transaction, credit, and marketing services, in a deal valued at $7.8 billion.
KKR’s Euronext-traded affiliate has invested $167.4 million in convertible preferred stock of Japanese credit card firm Orient. It is the publicly traded vehicle’s second PIPE.
Sun Capital’s recently established Japanese affiliate has completed its first deal with the acquisition of “Fruit Jelly” snack maker Tarami.