M&A Recap: Private Equity BIDDING WAR, Microsoft GRABS Yammer

A bidding competition could be in the offing, as Blackstone (NYSE:BX), Carlyle (NYSE:CG) and KKR (NYSE:KKR) are said to be mulling offers for approximately one half of Australia’s Pact, which is believed to be seeking an investor that could further it’s growth generation outside of Oz. Estimates have it that such a purchase could shape the packaging firm’s value at as much as $1.4 billion.

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Not unexpectedly, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) gains the voluntary acquisition of the business-software firm Yammer. Sources report that the transaction price will be $1.2 billion, but it’s so far unclear as to the official announcement and the closing date. Observers think that Microsoft might be attempting to complete its Office software array with Yammer, which is often referred to as the “Facebook for the workplace”.

After a considerable amount of speculation and offers, Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE) is beaten by Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, for the acquisition of London Metal Exchange, at a price of £1.39 billion.

Aircraft parts manufacturer United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) gains a conditional okay by Chinese regulators for its $16.5 billion purchase of Goodrich (NYSE:GR). However, the agency says that UTX will be required to sell its electrical power generation and transmission systems units, plus 60 percent of its Aerolec joint venture with Thales Avionics. The European Commission is evaluating the transaction, as well.

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