List of company mergers and acquisitions which took place in the UK in 2010.
The retail property company Westfield Group is to sell a 50% stake in its UK development Westfield Stratford City, located in a key location at the London 2012 Olympics site, for £871.5m. The investors are APG in the Netherlands and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
The private equity firm Nordic Capital has acquired Britax Childcare, a manufacturer of car seats, pushchairs and bike seats.
3i Group continues to invest in the testing and inspection industry with the acquisition of Stork Materials Technology, a network of independent materials testing laboratories, for £130m.
Laird, an electronics and technology company headquartered in London, has acquired Cattron Group International for £56.5m. Cattron specialises in industrial radio remote control products, giving Laird the opportunity to expand its wireless machine-to-machine portfolio.
SABMiller has entered the Argentinean market with the acquisition of CASA Isenbeck, the third-largest brewer in the country.
A 50% share in the international publishing company Time Out has been acquired by Oakley Capital Private Equity, with plans to grow the brand across its numerous print and digital channels.
Thomas Cook Group has acquired a majority stake in the Russian travel company VAO Intourist, as it moves to expand in emerging markets. In Russia the travel industry is fast-growing, with a high demand for beach and family holidays and over six million people booking packaged deals in 2009.
Capital Shopping Centres Group has acquired The Trafford Centre Group, operator of The Trafford Centre shopping mall in Manchester. CSC now owns 14 shopping centres in the UK.
On behalf of Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the holiday accommodation specialist Wyndham Worldwide has acquired the UK-based company James Villa Holidays for $77m. Wyndham thereby expands its rentals portfolio by 2,300 villas throughout popular Mediterranean holiday destinations.
Cable & Wireless Communications, a provider of telecommunications services in the Caribbean, Panama, Macau and Monaco, has acquired a 51% share in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, previously wholly-owned by the Government, for $210m.
The construction and development company Kier Group has acquired Beco, a designer of solar energy systems, which will become part of a new business unit named Kier Energy Innovations.
Brady, a trading and risk management software provider, is to acquire Viz Risk Management, a Norwegian firm specialising in the energy markets, and in the process become the largest European commodities software specialist.
The commercial lighting systems specialist Enfis Group has completed a reverse takeover of PhotonStar LED for £5.1m.
Sceptre Leisure, an amusement and gaming machines provider, has acquired the assets and operations of RV Smith, including 925 machines and 277 leisure sites in the south of England, for £1.2m.
The communications specialist Vislink has sold its camera-based surveillance division HERNIS Scan Systems. The company, which specialises in equipment suitable for hazardous environments, has been acquired by the electrical products manufacturer Cooper Industries and will become part of the Cooper Safety division. It is Cooper's fourth investment into harsh environment platforms.
Imagination Technologies Group, the UK-based IP licensing and manufacturing firm responsible for the PURE digital radio brand, has acquired the US VoIP firm HelloSoft for £29.5m.
The US investment firm Franklin Templeton is to enhance its product offering in the UK with the acquisition of Rensburg Fund Management.
The professional services company Towers Watson has acquired EMB, a consultancy and software firm operating in the non-life insurance industry.
Daisy Group, the business telecommunications provider, is to acquire SpiriTel for £27.3m.
Crane Co, a US-based industrial manufacturing company, has acquired Money Controls headquartered in Oldham. The firm provides payment systems for the gaming, amusement, retail and transport markets.
Optos, a UK-based medical technology company, is to acquire the ophthalmic device supplier Opto Global Holdings. Purchasing the Australian business will allow Optos to expand its distribution network internationally, and bring Opto Global's products to the EU and US markets.
As part of its strategy to build its product portfolio in the specialist hospital market, the pharmaceuticals company BTG Group has purchased the medical technology business Biocompatibles, which specialises in oncology products.
The financial services software provider Misys is to acquire rival Irish firm Sophis for £375m.
Balfour Beatty has acquired certain assets of the property repair and maintenance group Rok for £7m. This includes segments of its affordable housing and general construction business, which will be integrated into Balfour Beatty's regional construction division Mansell.
The medical diagnostics company Omega Diagnostics has acquired the German allergy testing firm Allergopharma Joachim Ganzer for approximately £5m.
The support services group Green Compliance has strengthened its pest control division with the acquisition of Pestfree Environmental Services.
Two leading food production companies, Greencore and Northern Foods, are to merge. Coming together as Essenta Foods, it is hoped the merger will create a strong group presence in the private label convenience foods category with brands such as Fox's Biscuits and Goodfella's.
Salamander Energy Group, an oil and gas company operating in the Asia region, has acquired the Indonesia-based firm Elnusa Bangkanai Energy for $11.2m.
The IT managed services provider Redstone has acquired Fujin Systems, a company that specialises in ethernet technologies and data centre consolidation, for up to £2.9m.
The digital marketing agency fuse8 has completed its first acquisition with the purchase of Delete Digital Marketing.
The IT solutions provider Innovise Enterprise Service Management has acquired the software division of Expolink Europe. Expolink Software supplies workforce management and quality monitoring solutions to public and private sector organisations.
United Business Media has acquired Lead-In Research, a provider of sales leads and public sector tenders for relocation, refurbishment and business expansion projects. Lead-In will become part of UBM'S Built Environment division, which supplies information to the construction, architecture and commercial property industries.
Advantech, a US-based provider of embedded computer components and software, has acquired the UK firm Innocore Gaming for £3.34m, which specialises in industrial computer boards for gaming applications.
The European division of the insurance and financial services company MetLife is to expand following the group's acquisition of American Life Insurance Company. In particular, MetLife in the UK will offer new products to the IFA and advisory market, and will expand its sales team.
An 80% stake in the UK-based food ingredient supplier Sleaford Quality Foods has been purchased by Jain Irrigation Systems, giving the company's food division an opportunity to enter the UK ethnic food market. Jain is an Indian company with a range of business interests covering industrial water systems, agricultural solutions and industrial manufacturing, including food processing.
Shortly after buying its US-based parent company, PricewaterhouseCoopers has acquired the UK division of Diamond Management & Technology Consultants, a provider of business design and performance improvement services.
The international executive search agency Kinsey Allen has acquired RUSTON wheb, a recruitment firm that specialises in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors. RUSTON wheb will continue to operate as an individual brand but will incorporate the Kinsey Allen Cleantech division.
RI3K, a UK-based provider of paperless transaction technology for the commercial insurance industry, has been acquired by Qatar Insurance Services to expand its own insurance fulfilment system Qatarlyst internationally. QIS aims to gradually integrate RI3K and Qatarlyst into a single platform.
The international engineering company URS Corporation has expanded its global presence with the acquisition of Scott Wilson Group. SWG will become part of the infrastructure and environment division of URS, adding 80 offices to its network.
Barclays Ventures has backed a management buy-out of the leisure club chain Total Fitness.
Hyperion Insurance has acquired Accette Insurance Group through its subsidiary Howden Broking Group. Hyperion hopes to increase its global retail capacity with the acquisition of Accette, the largest independent broking firm in Asia.
The Hut Group has acquired Lookfantastic Group, an online retailer of luxury health and beauty brands, for £19.4m.
The electronic component specialist TT Electronics has sold its electricity transmission division WT Henley for £11.9m. The subsidiary, which has offices in the UK and China, has been bought by the French company Sicame SA.
The private equity firm Doughty Hanson & Co is to acquire the UK cinema operator Vue Entertainment.
Securitas is to acquire the UK-based security services operations of Reliance Security Group with the aim of becoming one of the largest European security providers.
The managed hosting provider iomart Group has acquired another leading company in the sector Titan Internet for £4.2m.
PFH Technology Group, an Irish ICT company, has acquired Redstone Technology, also based in Ireland, from its UK-based parent company Redstone.
The office supplies company Euroffice has completed a management buy-out backed by Darwin Private Equity, which takes a majority share.
The payment solutions company Bottomline Technologies has acquired the London-based software-as-a-service provider SMA Financial.
Bobst Group, a supplier of equipment to packaging manufacturers, has sold its UK-based subsidiary Atlas Converting Equipment in a management buy-out.
Skipton Building Society has sold Advance Mortgage Funding, which trades as Pink Home Loans, and its subsidiary BDS Mortgage Group to LSL Property Services.
IMImobile Europe, a provider of managed services within the mobile industry, has acquired the UK-based data services company WIN.
Electronic Arts has acquired the UK-based games publisher Chillingo. As one of the world's largest publishers for the iPhone platform, Chillingo will help the company's EA Mobile division to strengthen its leading position in the wireless entertainment market.
The investment banking company Astaire Group has sold its subsidiary business Astaire Securities to Sandfire Capital for £2.45m.
Lyceum Capital has acquired a majority stake in the intellectual property rights management firm Compact Media Group. Lyceum has invested £17m to grow the business and pursue new opportunities internationally.
Digital Barriers has acquired the defence technology specialist Waterfall Solutions for £5.5m, with the aim of developing its product offering to the homeland security market.
The print and graphics company Greywell Press has bought the print finishing specialist Holland & Watts out of administration.
The accountancy firm Grant Thornton has acquired the UK-based litigation support provider Legal Inc. Legal specialises in e-disclosure solutions, dealing with electronic communication in businesses, and it will contribute to Grant Thornton's forensic advisory services.
Lancaster University has acquired The Work Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that advises on working life and organisational effectiveness. Although The Work Foundation will continue to operate independently, the partnership is regarded as an opportunity to share complementary research and networks.
The US-based investment firm State Street Global Advisors has acquired Bank of Ireland Asset Management for around €57m.
Dechra Veterinary Products, a division of Dechra Pharmaceuticals, has acquired the US-based animal dermatology company DermaPet.
The UK financial services firm Resolution is to buy Bupa Health Assurance for £165.2m. This includes the Bupa Group Risk and Bupa Individual Protection divisions, allowing Bupa to concentrate on its healthcare business.
Stagecoach Group has purchased the bus transport business of East London Bus Group, which is currently in administration, for £59.5m. It is the third-largest bus operating company in London with 15% of the market and around 1,400 buses. The acquired business will operate as a standalone division within the group.
Royal Bank of Canada is to acquire the London-based credit fund manager BlueBay Asset Management.
Clipper Windpower, the wind turbine manufacturer, is to be acquired by United Technologies Corporation for around £139.5m. UTC, a provider of high-technology products for the aerospace and building industries, already owns 49.9% of the company and will now acquire the remaining share.
Amplio Group, an investment company focused on the renewable energy and environmental sectors, has acquired Environmental Water Systems. EWS, which provides water treatment, purification and wastewater recovery systems, will contribute to the expansion of Amplio Filtration, a subsidiary of the group. As a result of the acquisition, Amplio Filtration hopes to achieve a 25% share of the UK's food, beverage, healthcare and industrial filtration market.
Serviced Office Group is to acquire Bourne Financial, allowing the company to offer a more complete service to financial institutions. Bourne, which provides office, infrastructure and financial services to new businesses, is currently owned by Serviced Office Group's director Andrew Bourne.
Pressure Technologies, a manufacturer of speciality pressure systems, has acquired the high-pressure equipment supplier Hydratron for £3.3m. Hyrdratron has offices in the UK, USA and Australia, and although a sales presence will be maintained in all regions, the Australian subsidiary will be closed.
The pub company Amber Taverns has completed a management buy-out backed by LGV Capital, marking the private equity firm's fourth investment in the pub sector.
The investment firm Platina Partners, supported by Environmental Technologies Fund, has completed a management buy-out of TAG Energy Solutions. Following the investment, TAG will become the UK's first manufacturer of subsea foundations for offshore wind turbines at a new specialist facility.
KANA Software, a US company that specialises in service experience management solutions, has acquired the UK firm Lagan Technologies, a provider of customer relationship and case management systems for governments.
The international engineering company IMI is to acquire Zimmermann & Jansen for €135m. Z&J manufactures critical process and severe service valves for use in the steel, petrochemical and refining industries.
The newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror has expanded its digital classified portfolio by acquiring the online listings brand Fish4.
The cash and carry wholesaler Booker has acquired the speciality fine foods distributor Ritter-Courivaud for £14.5m. Booker has also purchased the trading business and assets of the on-trade drinks wholesaler Classic Drinks for £4m. Both companies will continue to operate under their existing brand names.
Ultimate Finance Group, a provider of factoring and invoice discounting for businesses, is to acquire Ashley Commercial Finance for £4.75m.
The US restaurant reservation website OpenTable has acquired its UK equivalent TopTable for $55m.
Lion Capital, an investment firm focused on businesses in the consumer sector, is to acquire the French frozen food company Picard.
RSA Insurance Group has acquired the Canadian insurer GCAN Insurance Company for £259m, making RSA the fourth-largest general insurer in Canada.
The energy and climate change consultancy AEA Technology is to acquire the US firm Eastern Research Group for around £52.5m.
Thomas Cook Group and The Co-operative Group are to merge their high street travel and foreign exchange businesses creating a network of over 1,200 shops. The combined group, which will be 70% owned by Thomas Cook, will be the largest high street travel retailer in the UK with 4.3m customers. The merger does not include Thomas Cook's online business ThomasCook.com, but its Going Places stores will be rebranded as Co-operative Travel.
Advanced Computer Software Group has made its third acquisition of the year with the purchase of the care industry software provider CareSys Software for £2.6m.
Mears Group has acquired Jackson Lloyd, a provider of social housing maintenance in the North West of England, for £2.7m.
Lloydspharmacy has acquired an 80% share in Betterlife Healthcare, an online and mail order retailer of healthcare and mobility aids.
Eden Supported Housing has completed a management buy-out supported by Sovereign Capital.
RJD Partners has backed a management buy-in of Dunham Leisure, an operator of two holiday parks in Scotland.
Darwin Private Equity has acquired the womenswear brand Fenn Wright Mason with plans to create more stand-alone stores.
The independent regional airline Eastern Airways has acquired Air Southwest, a subsidiary of the Sutton Harbour Group that operates from Plymouth, Newquay and Bristol airports.
Velti, a provider of mobile marketing and advertising technology, has acquired the mobile ad exchange network Mobclix.
The buy-out firm AAC Capital Partners has acquired a majority share in NSL Services Group, a provider of outsourced urban management solutions, for £120m.
The vending machine operator SnackTime aims to expand its product offering with the acquisition of Vendia UK for £10.98m.
The building services company Managed Support Services has acquired Environmental Control Services, a mechanical and engineering maintenance provider, for £3.2m.
Tru-Test, a manufacturer of livestock scales and milk meters based in New Zealand, has made two acquisitions in the UK. Ritchey and Fearing, previously owned by Animalcare Group, provide various animal identification and agricultural products, but are also long-standing distributors of Tru-Test products.
Sovereign Capital has acquired Guardian Homecare to expand its domiciliary care provider City & County Healthcare.
Luke Johnson, the chairman of Risk Capital Partners, has acquired the Japanese restaurant chain Feng Sushi and the Mediterranean dining firm Ego Restaurants. In the 1990s Luke Johnson was chairman of PizzaExpress, growing the business from 12 restaurants to over 250.
F&C Asset Management has acquired Thames River Capital. As TRC integrates into the group, the F&C distribution team will focus on institutional clients and the TRC team will deal with IFAs and wealth managers.
The insurance intermediary Bridle Insurance has acquired Southampton Insurance Services, which trades as Simple Insurance Services.
The Canadian company Ingenium Group has established an international base in the UK with the acquisition of the architectural firm Archial Group. The group will now be registered as Ingenium Archial.
Lloyds Development Capital has sold its majority stake in Cable Management Group, a UK-based cable systems manufacturer, to the US firm Thomas & Betts Corporation for $110m.
The information services company Experian has expanded its range of consumer brands with the acquisition of Mighty Net for $207.5m. Mighty Net is a US firm that provides an online credit monitoring service for consumers.
Capital IQ has acquired the research and estimates business of TheMarkets.com, which specialises in research and workflow technologies for institutional investment management firms. The acquisition will allow Capital IQ to offer a more complete financial research and analysis platform.
BAE Systems is to acquire Intelligence Services Group, a subsidiary of the US firm L-1 Identity Solutions, and a provider of defence and intelligence solutions to the US government.
The UK dating site operator EasyDate has acquired the US company Cupid.com for £4.4m, intending to grow the business both in America and worldwide.
The US-based software company CSG Systems is to acquire Intec Telecom, a UK provider of business support software to the communications industry.
Ardagh Glass Group has acquired the metal packaging company Impress Coöperatieve U.A. from the private equity firm Doughty Hanson & Co for €1.7 billion. The group will trade as Ardagh Packaging Group.
Unilever is to acquire Alberto Culver Company for $3.7 billion. Unilever will be adding personal care brands such as TRESemme, St Ives and Simple to its portfolio, making it the world leader in the hair conditioning market and second in shampoo products.
3i Group is to acquire the debt management business Mizuho Investment Management from Mizuho Corporate Bank for £18.3m. 3i will create a new division called 3i Debt Management to incorporate Mizuho's services with its existing activities.
PZ Cussons has acquired St Tropez Holdings, the UK's market leader in sunless tanning products, for £62.5m.
Centrica is to acquire the gas and electricity services divisions of Connaught Compliance for £11.2m through its subsidiary company British Gas Business. Connaught's parent company Connaught Group has gone into administration.
The contracts and related assets of Connaught Housing Partnerships, the social housing maintenance division of Connaught Group, have been sold to Lovell Partnerships for £28m.
IQE, a supplier of electronic components to the semiconductor industry, has acquired the US firm Galaxy Compound Semiconductors for up to $14.2m.
Stanley Gibbons has acquired the collectibles company Benham for £1.5m.Mitchells & Butlers is to acquire the Ha Ha Bar & Grill restaurant chain, comprising 22 sites, from Bay Restaurant Group for £19.5m. Twelve of the sites will become All Bar One, six will be converted into Browns restaurants and the remaining four will become various other Mitchells & Butlers brands.
The UK-based engineering company Tomkins has been acquired by a Canadian consortium operating as Pinafore Acquisitions.
Stenham Asset Management has acquired the London-based investment management firm Montier Partners, increasing its assets under management to $3.5 billion.
The IT company SCC has cemented its position as a leading provider of data centre transformation solutions with the acquisition of Kavanagh, a specialist in data centre IT consulting and infrastructure services. Kavanagh will be rebranded as SCC.
Atlas Copco Construction & Mining has acquired H&F Drilling Supplies. H&F will become a subsidiary of Atlas.
The investment firm 3i has acquired a majority share in Trescal, a European specialist in measurement equipment calibration services.
Miranda, a Canadian firm that provides technology for the television broadcast industry, has acquired the UK-based media management software firm OmniBus Systems.
Montagu Private Equity is to buy Host Group Europe, a web hosting company serving businesses in Germany and the UK, for £222m. There are plans to integrate the German and UK divisions, the UK arm of which currently trades as Webfusion.
Polar Capital Holdings has acquired the fund management company HIM Capital Holdings to create a financial sectors franchise within the group.
NeutraHealth, a UK consolidation company focused on the vitamins and supplements sector, is to be acquired by Elder, a subsidiary of the Indian manufacturing firm Elder Pharmaceuticals.
United Business Media has purchased Canon Communications for £185m. Canon specialises in trade shows, publications and electronic media for the medical device design and manufacturing sector. UBM expects to become the market leader in this field as a result of the acquisition.
U-POL, a global manufacturer of automotive refinish products, has completed a £130m management buy-out backed by Graphite Capital. This is the second time that Graphite has invested in the company.
The global drinks company Gruppo Campari has acquired the Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist brands from William Grant & Sons.
Progressive Digital Media Group has acquired Canadean, a provider of market intelligence to the beverage industry, for £9m.
The building services group Northern Bear has sold its industrial plumbing and heating subsidiary company DJ McGough to its founders for £1.
Praesepe, an investment company specialising in the gaming market, has acquired eight gaming centres from Noble Gaming for £1m.
Global Plastics Solutions has acquired Orchid Plastics, a manufacturer of industrial plastic products.
The financial intermediary BGC Partners has acquired certain assets of Mint Partners and Mint Equities. Mint will operate as a division of BGC and retain its brand name.
The security services provider Vision Security Group has become part of Compass Group UK & Ireland.
Alterian, the online and social media marketing company, has acquired the consulting business Intrepid, which specialises in social media analytics.
Tawa, a consolidation company within the non-life insurance sector, is to acquire the Bermuda-based insurance firm Island Capital, and its UK subsidiary, for an initial sum of $7.8m.
After being placed into administration in June 2010, The Art Group has been acquired by the poster and merchandise company Pyramid International.
The postage stamps and collectibles company Stanley Gibbons has acquired the specialist stamp business M&N Haworth, adding a stock of over 300 volumes to its range.
The energy services company Hunting has acquired Innova-Extel, a provider of harsh environment electronics solutions to the energy industry.
Senior Group, a manufacturer of technology components for the aerospace, automotive and energy sectors, has acquired the US company WahlcoMetroflex for £8.5m.
The online payment processing firm DataCash has been acquired by Mastercard for around £333m.STAR Capital Partners has acquired the German cable operator Pepcom.
Servoca, a public sector recruitment company, has bought Phoenix Employment Services out of administration. Phoenix provides nursing and domiciliary care staffing solutions.
The recycling storage supplier Straight has acquired the plastic injection moulding business Dyro Holdings for £2.9m. Dyro, which trades as Powell Plastics, is an existing manufacturing partner of the company.
Confetti Network and Iwantoneofthose.com have been sold by the home shopping group Findel to e-commerce specialist The Hut Group.
The Canadian company Processia Solutions has purchased the British product lifecycle management firm IP3 Technologies.
Warner Bros has purchased a controlling stake in the British television production company Shed Media.
The UK-based power generation company International Power is to merge with GDF SUEZ Energy International to create New International Power.
Mitchells & Butlers has sold its Hollywood Bowl subsidiary to AMF Bowling for £39m.
CVC Capital Partners is to acquire a majority share in the vending machine business Autobar Group. Charterhouse Capital Partners retains a minority stake.
The US firm AECOM Technology Corporation has acquired the cost and project management consultancy Davis Langdon for $324m.
Euromoney Institutional Investor, the business publishing and information group, has acquired Arete Consulting. Arete provides an online source of information on structured retail investment products.
The computer software company First Derivatives has acquired the Canadian firm LakeFront Data Ventures.
The IT managed services provider Esteem Systems has acquired SiRViS IT Holdings with the aim of achieving a £60m turnover. SiRViS will continue to operate as a separate division.
Mattioli Woods has acquired City Trustees, a pensions administration business, for £1.85m from Lighthouse Group.
The Irish healthcare services provider United Drug has acquired The InforMed Group, a healthcare communications company, for £11.4m.
After going into administration in 2009, Merchant Inns has sold six properties to Bespoke Hotels Group.
Barclays Private Equity has backed a management buy-out of the glass packaging manufacturer Allied Glass worth £75m. Barclays Private Equity now owns a majority share in the firm.
The outsourced call centre provider beCogent has been purchased by the international firm Teleperformance.
LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyd's Banking Group, has made a further addition to its business portfolio with the acquisition of the BSkyB-owned B2B telecommunications provider Easynet Global Services.
Digital Barriers, a specialist provider of homeland security solutions, has acquired Overtis Group for £3.2m. Overtis offers user activity management software to monitor employee actions within an organisation.
Teaching Personnel, a provider of teaching and supply staff, has completed a £45m management buy-out backed by Graphite Capital.
Meridian Bioscience, a US-based life sciences company, has acquired the UK firm Bioline for $23.3m.
The London-based investment company Salamanca Capital Investments has acquired Barcelona Marina, also known as Marina Port Vell, in Barcelona. In partnership with the Spanish Port Authority, Salamanca plans to develop the Marina into a prime destination for privately owned super yachts.
The industrial valve manufacturer Valvitalia has acquired the UK-based company Broady Flow Control.
Fairpoint Group, a consumer debt solutions business, has acquired the price comparison site Moneyextra.com with the aim of offering a wider range of financial services to its customers. In particular, Moneyextra will provide money saving options on products such as loans, mortgages and credit cards.
IDOX, a software supplier to the public sector, is to acquire Computershare Electoral Management Services, a provider of software for local authorities, for up to £4.4m. Computershare, which currently trades as Strand Business Systems, will be renamed Strand Electoral Management Services.
The international marketing communications company Aegis Group is to acquire Mitchell Communication Group, based in Australia, for £207m.
The UK-based companies Graham Engineering and Graham Spares and Service, specialists in the manufacture of label and shrink sleeving machines, have been acquired by the US firm Accraply.
The international biopharmaceutical company Shire is to acquire the Belgian firm Movetis for €428m.
Royal Bank of Scotland Group has sold 311 RBS branches and seven NatWest branches to Santander UK for £350m.
Advent International and Bain Capital have acquired RBS WorldPay, the online payment processing subsidiary of Royal Bank of Scotland Group, for £2.03 billion. RBS will retain a 19.9% stake in the company.
The American retailer Men's Wearhouse has acquired the UK-based business Dimensions Clothing and certain assets of Alexandra, suppliers of corporate clothing and uniforms, for £61m.
YouGov, a research company that specialises in public opinion and consumer behaviour, has acquired the US-based marketing and research consultancy Harrison Group.
Chemring, a manufacturer of products for the defence industry, is to acquire the contract engineering company Roke Manor Research for £55m. The acquisition will particularly enhance Chemring's technology offering in the homeland security, global countermeasures and counter-terrorist markets.
Five Group, the company responsible for Channel Five and its related channels, has been sold by RTL Group to the media company Northern & Shell for £103.5m.
Unilever has sold the Italian division of its frozen foods and seafood company Findus to Birds Eye Iglo for €805m.
Synchronia, the mobile messaging solutions provider, is to acquire the Canadian mobile software company iseemedia. The combined business will have access to a market of 44 mobile operators with 853 million subscribers.
Reckitt Benckiser Group is to boost its health and personal care division with the acquisition of SSL International, the consumer goods company with brands such as Durex and Scholl, for £2.54 billion.
The UK-based mining company Firestone Diamonds has acquired Kopane Diamond Developments, adding operations in Lesotho to its current interests in Botswana and South Africa.
Promethean World, a learning technologies provider, is to acquire the US-based firm SynapticMash, which produces assessment software and devices for the classroom.
Pace, an independent developer of digital television technologies, is to acquire 2Wire, a US supplier of software for broadband service providers, for £308m.
KBC Peel Hunt, the stockbroking and advisory firm, has completed a management buy-out of the business from its parent company KBC Group for £74m.
The private investment firm TPG Capital has acquired the fashion retailer Republic from Change Capital Partners. Since Change acquired the business in 2005, Republic has opened 27 new stores and doubled its turnover.
The enterprise technology and computer components provider Arrow Electronics has acquired the UK-based IT distribution firm Sphinx Group.
The business processing firm Xchanging is to acquire Data Integration, an IT network and infrastructure provider, for around £9m.
Rightmove Group has sold its majority share in the holiday accommodation company Holiday Lettings to the travel website operator Tripadvisor.
Viridor Waste Management has acquired Reconomy Recycling Solutions for £23.8m.
The UK-based provider of outsourced contact centre solutions Careline Services has been acquired by the international outsourcing firm HGSL, which aims to expand in the UK and European markets.
Resolution, the business acquisition firm focused on the insurance and financial services markets, is to buy AXA UK Life for up to £2.75 billion. It will become part of Resolution-owned Friends Provident, which will be rebranded as Friends Life.
LECG, an international business advisory firm, has expanded its UK presence with the acquisition of the London-based consultancy Bourne.
The James Grant Group subsidiary OJK, a provider of accountancy and financial services to the entertainment, sports and music sectors, has acquired the accountancy firm Addis & Co.
The specialist distribution and outsourcing company Bunzl has acquired Global Net, a cleaning supplies business based in Belgium.
Stewarts Law is to strengthen its commercial litigation department with the acquisition of Masseys, a fellow litigation law firm.
SDL, a provider of multilingual information management software, has acquired the US-based firm Language Weaver, a specialist in machine translation solutions, for £28.2m.
Hoping to improve its services in the specialist nursing market, the health and social care recruiter Healthcare Locums has acquired three staffing companies. They are Redwood Health Business, Orion, and the Australian firm LML.
The environmental consultancy SLR has acquired the US firm Hoefler Consulting Group, which specialises in offshore drilling, pollution prevention and oil field regulation for the energy and mining sectors.
Lloyds Banking Group's private equity business LDC has acquired the traffic surveillance technology firm Computer Recognition Systems through its portfolio company Vysionics. Under the Vysionics brand, LDC has brought together a group of businesses that specialise in traffic management systems.
The technical recruitment agency Morson has acquired Acetech Personnel, a subsidiary of Babcock International Group, for £2.35m.
The private equity firm HgCapital has acquired the German company Teufel Speakers, a retailer of loudspeaker systems that has recently expanded into Europe and the UK.
The business investment firm Amplio Group has made its first UK purchase with the acquisition of the water filtration and water treatment company Puresep Holdings. Puresep will become part of the Group's subsidiary Amplio Filtration.
The crane hire company Weldex has completed a management buy-out backed by Dunedin.
Paragon Group, the printing and document management firm, has acquired the Hull and Thornaby sites of the transport ticketing manufacturer BembroseBooth.
The UK-based investment firm Primary Capital has backed a management buy-out of Paperchase Products from Borders Group for around $31m.
As part of an effort to dispose of its non-core business assets, Royal Bank of Scotland Group has sold its retail and commercial banking operations in India to HSBC.
The international power company AES Corporation is to acquire a subsidiary of the UK-based natural gas provider BG Group for £99m. The subsidiary in question is BG's Premier Power division, which operates a power station in Northern Ireland.
Travis Perkins, the building materials and home improvement retailer, is to buy The BSS Group. In particular, the companies hope that the combination of their plumbing and heating divisions will create a leading trade and retail distribution business in this sector.
The online technology retailer eXpansys is to acquire Data Select Network Solutions, a SIM card provider, and the digital marketing specialist PJ Media for a total of £38m.
Green Compliance continues to grow its group of water, fire, pest and energy compliance services with the acquisition of the pest control business Envirocare, and the water hygiene company Pure Group Management.
The UK-based polymer engineering company Fenner has acquired MRI Medical, a US firm that manufactures medical devices.
Allergy Therapeutics, a UK-based pharmaceutical company, has expanded its presence in Europe with the acquisition of the Swiss firm Teomed.
The construction and property consultancy Cyril Sweett has acquired Widnell, a firm of chartered quantity surveyors largely based in Asia. Widnell will be renamed Widnell Sweett, and Cyril Sweett's offices in Hong Kong, China and Macau will also operate under this name.
AIM Aviation, a manufacturer of aircraft interiors, has completed a management buy-out with investment from the private equity provider LDC Birmingham.
The risk consultancy firm Kroll has been sold by Marsh & McLennan to the US security solutions provider Altegrity for $1.13 billion.
Begbies Traynor Group has strengthened its presence in the north west of England with the acquisition of the Manchester and Blackburn-based business recovery and insolvency firm Tomlinsons.
The online and direct home shopping retailer N Brown Group has acquired Figleaves.com, a lingerie and swimwear company, for £11.5m.
The online and mobile consumer engagement specialist Linnaeus Consulting has been acquired by the marketing agency Indicia.
Motan and Colortronic are to merge to become Motan-Colortronic, headquartered at Colortronic's site in Chesterfield. Both companies produce technology products for the plastics industry.
As part of a strategy to increase its recycling capabilities, the waste management company Biffa has acquired the recycling-led business Greenstar UK for £135m.
SAS, the international business analytics software company, has acquired the UK-based firm Memex. Specialising in law enforcement and security intelligence solutions for the public and private sectors, Memex offers SAS the opportunity to become a global leader in this sector through improved data management and distribution.
The packaging and office products supplier DS Smith is to acquire Otor Group, a French corrugated packaging company.
Findel, the home shopping, education and healthcare retailer, has sold its subsidiary company Webb to the turnaround investment business Endless for £1. The deal includes both Choices Group UK and Webb Ivory Burton, the retail and consumer home entertainment trading companies of Webb.
The investment group Audasi has acquired the machine division of the label manufacturer Sessions of York after the company went into administration, creating a new company named Sessions Label Solutions.
Marwyn Capital Investments is to purchase the energy solutions division of National Grid. The reverse takeover of Fulcrum, a unit that provides gas connection and transportation services, will be completed for a nominal fee of £10.
The wealth management division of the financial advisory firm Collins Stewart is to acquire Andersen Charnley.
The US firm Broadcom Corporation, a provider of semiconductor technology for the communications industry, has acquired the UK-based communication electronics specialist Innovision Research & Technology.
Bureau Veritas, an organisation that helps companies to meet standards in quality, health and safety, environment and social responsibility, has acquired the UK-based commodities inspection and testing firm Inspectorate for £450m. As a result of the acquisition, Bureau Veritas becomes one of the top three companies worldwide in the inspection field.
The business processing firm Xchanging is to acquire a majority share in Kedrios, the Italian subsidiary of the payment systems provider SIA-SSB. The aim of the acquisition is to create an Enterprise Partnership between SIA-SSB and Xchanging that will enable the latter to enter the Italian market and increase its international presence.
Persian Gold, an Irish mining company with gold and copper projects in Iran, is to buy the UK-based business Hydrocarbon Exploration, which has interests in Ghana and Bolivia.
Daisy Group has acquired MurphX Innovative Solutions, a provider of infrastructure services for businesses, for £4.8m.
Primary Health Properties, a company that leases healthcare facilities to NHS general practitioners, is to purchase Health Investments, which owns pharmacy sites and 14 primary care properties, for £11.7m.
WIN plc, a UK-based mobile services provider, is to be acquired by IMImobile Europe, which offers value added services to network operators, media companies and businesses.
The advertising agency Lowe London is to merge with DLKW and be renamed DLKW Lowe. Creston Group sold the creative communications business to Lowe's parent company IPG.
The accountancy firm RSM Tenon has purchased certain assets of a rival company Vantis after it entered administration, including offices in London, Epsom and Leicester, Vantis' financial management operations, and its Thames Valley recovery office. The acquisition will allow RSM to expand, particularly in London and the Thames Valley region.
United Business Media has made several acquisitions in South America, including the purchase of a majority share in Sienna Interlink, a Brazilian exhibition company responsible for Concrete Show South America, the largest cement tradeshow in the region. It has also acquired the remaining shares in PR Newswire Brazil and PR Newswire Argentina that it did not already own, and a 60% stake in the Brazilian shipbuilding tradeshow Navalshore.
The UK oil company Dana Petroleum is to make its largest acquisition with the purchase of Petro Canada Netherlands from Petro Canada for around £270m. Petro Canada Netherlands, an oil and gas company operating in the North Sea, will boost Dana Petroleum's producing fields from 36 to 54.
The business telecoms specialist Daisy Group has acquired the mobile handset provider Fone Logistics for £3.6m.
The plastic packaging manufacturer Sharp Interpack has been purchased by Groupe Guillin. The French company, which already holds a strong position in the European market, will acquire Sharp Interpack's three sites in Aylesbury, Bridgwater and Yate, taking more than 60% of its operations outside France.
Teledyne Technologies, a provider of electronic components for marine, environmental and industrial purposes, is to acquire the aerospace electronics specialist Intelek.
The European buy-out firm Charterhouse has acquired the retail chain Card Factory.
The drinks company Global Brands has expanded its premium spirits portfolio with the acquisition of Inspirit Brands, a brand development agency currently responsible for products such as Frangelico, El Dorado Rum and No.3 London Dry Gin.
Mayfair Fire Protection has become part of Green Compliance, a group of companies providing water, fire and energy compliance support services.
Capita Group has acquired the medical reporting and screening services provider Premier Medical Group for £60m.
British Sky Broadcasting is to acquire Virgin Media Television from Virgin Media for £160m. Sky will be adding channels such as LIVING, Challenge and Bravo to its basic pay service, and the company will no longer have to pay fees for distributing these channels. Virgin Media will also have access to Sky content, which will be available through its on-demand service.
GlaxoSmithKline has acquired the Argentine pharmaceutical company Laboratorios Phoenix for $253m. The purchase will significantly improve GSK Argentina's position in the country's pharmaceutical market, and will contribute to GSK's planned growth in the region.
Pitney Bowes MapInfo UK is to acquire the customer interaction software provider Portrait Software for £44.4m.
The Weir Group, an international engineering solutions company, is to acquire the Malaysian firm Linatex for £119m. It is hoped that the mining process equipment manufactured by Linatex will provide new growth opportunities for Weir's minerals division.
Barclays Bank is to sell its US mortgage servicing business HomeEq Servicing to Ocwen Loan Servicing for $1.3bn.
Cambridge IP, an intellectual property consultancy, has acquired the science literature and information provider Boliven.com.
Zeta Compliance Group, a provider of health and safety technologies for businesses, has acquired the safety consultancy The Fire Strategy Company.
Kier Group has acquired Pure Recycling Warwick and Pure Buildings for £2m. Both companies are in the process of constructing a new materials recycling facility in Warwickshire.
A US-based business and IT consultancy Cognizant has acquired PIPC, a management consultancy firm with offices in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Centocor Ortho Biotech, a subsidiary of the consumer healthcare company Johnson & Johnson, has acquired the UK-based drug discovery firm RespiVert.
HgCapital has acquired a majority share in Manx Telecom from Telefonica for £158.8m. Manx Telecom provides telecommunications and internet services to customers in the Isle of Man.
The international security services provider G4S has purchased the Brazilian electronic systems integration specialist Instalarme for £17.1m. As Brazil prepares to host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016, G4S hopes its first acquisition in the country will see further growth in an already profitable security market.
Asda is to purchase Netto Foodstores, the UK subsidiary of Dansk Supermarked. Netto's 193 stores in the UK will be rebranded.
The home shopping group Flying Brands has acquired the flower delivery company Flowers Direct for £2.95m.
Bglobal, an energy measurement and smart metering provider, is to acquire the energy data management company Utiligroup for £12.8m.
ASSA ABLOY, the door opening and security products specialist, has acquired the lock manufacturer Paddock.
The UK-based law firm Denton Wilde Sapte is to merge with the US firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal to become SNR Denton.
The marketing and print services provider St Ives has acquired Occam, a direct marketing and data management specialist. Occam is to become a subsidiary of St Ives.
The buy-out firm AAC Capital has acquired the pharmaceutical company Martindale Pharma.
The Channel Tunnel management group Eurotunnel has acquired the British freight train company GB Railfreight from FirstGroup.
The utility company United Utilities is to sell its Australian subsidiary United Utilities Australia. The company is to be acquired by a consortium led by Mitsubishi Corporation.
The UK-based marine electronics manufacturer Raymarine has been acquired by the US firm FLIR Systems for $180m, adding 1,000 dealer outlets to FLIR's network.
A US provider of simulation and training technologies for the energy industries, GSE Systems, has acquired the UK firm TAS Holdings, which trades as TAS Engineering Consultants. TAS specialises in engineering and safety system design.
The foodservice organisation Compass Group has acquired the French firm Caterine Restauration, which specialises in services for the education and healthcare sectors.
Engine Group, a marketing communications agency, has acquired the social media company Jam, after its parent company i-level went into administration.
Sun European Partners, an adviser to the investment firm Sun Capital Partners, has acquired the UK-based equipment rental company Hewden.
Team Telecom Group, a subsidiary of the utility support services company Spice, has undergone a management buy-out, backed by Gresham and HSBC, for £32.8m.
The private equity firm Warburg Pincus is to acquire a majority share in Poundland, while the retailer's management team will retain a minority share.
Amey and Bechtel, shareholders in the Underground maintenance firm Tube Lines, have sold their private shares in the business to Transport for London. It is hoped that bringing the London Underground upgrade programme back into the public sector will save money and reduce disruption. Tube Lines is to become a subsidiary of Transport for London.
A UK-based provider of digital radio platforms and systems Axis Network Technology has been acquired by the Korean companies Ace Technologies and Ace & Partners for $35m.
Discovery Holdings, a South African financial services company, has acquired Standard Life Healthcare, the Standard Life Group subsidiary, for £138m. Discovery aims to strengthen its investment in PruHealth, its existing UK venture, through the acquisition of a complementary business.
Lingo Media, a Canadian company that specialises in English language learning products, has acquired UK-based ELL Technologies. The acquisition will significantly expand Lingo's customer base, as ELL's multi-media and online services are currently distributed in eleven countries.
Two investment management firms have joined forces following the acquisition of GLG Partners by Man Group.
Pearson, the UK media and education company, is to acquire the vocational training provider Melorio.
The defence and aerospace company BAE Systems has acquired the US firm Atlantic Marine for $352m. Atlantic Marine specialises in vessel repair and construction and will become part of BAE's ship repair division.
Britvic has acquired the French soft drinks company Fruité Enterprises for €237m.
Segro, a provider of office space and commercial buildings, is to acquire a 50% share in the Airport Property Partnership from BAA. APP has a portfolio of airport-related industrial assets in major UK airports. Aviva Investors owns the remaining share.
The UK-based natural gas and energy company BG Group is to sell its 50% share in Seabank Power for £211.7m. The stake in Seabank, which operates a gas power plant near Bristol, is to be bought by Electricity First, a subsidiary of Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings.
F&C Asset Management is to acquire Thames River Capital Group for up to £53.6m.
The UK-based private equity firm Palamon Capital Partners has sold its majority share in the Swedish consumer loans business Nordax to Vision Capital.
Hewlett-Packard is to acquire the smartphone operator Palm for $1.2 billion. The acquisition will allow HP to expand in the competitive smartphone market.
Bridgepoint, the private equity firm, has acquired the arts and crafts retailer HobbyCraft in a management buy-out, with plans to expand the company both on the high street and online.
The cider company C&C Group is to sell its spirits and liqueurs division to William Grant & Sons for €300m. William Grant will be adding niche brands such as Frangelico and Irish Mist to its product portfolio.
IntercontinentalExchange, an operator of futures exchanges, is to acquire Climate Exchange, which specialises in traded emissions markets.
Piper Private Equity has backed a management buy-out of the British clothing brand Weird Fish and gained a majority stake in the business.
Membrane Extraction Technology, a UK-based company that provides separation services for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, has been acquired by the German firm Enovik Industries.
The European packaging company The Guillin Group has acquired Sharp Interpack, a UK-based food packaging manufacturer.
The sofa retailer DFS is to be acquired by the private equity firm Advent International.
Datamonitor, the business information and analysis provider, has acquired the packaging research company Pack-Track.
The commercial law firm Beachcroft has acquired Williams Holden Cooklin Gibbons, a specialist insurance practice.
The private equity firm TA Associates has acquired a majority share in the British fashion and household brand Cath Kidston.
Homeserve, a UK provider of home insurance and emergency assistance, has increased its customer base in the US with the acquisition of the service contract division of National Grid Energy Services. In addition, the company has reached an agreement to use the National Grid Energy Services brand name to market its insurance products in America.
UK-based digital agency Grand Union has been acquired by FullSIX, an international relationship marketing company. The private equity group, and FullSIX owner, Cognetas has backed the deal to help the company grow in the UK, and has plans to develop the Grand Union brand globally.
The hovercraft manufacturer Griffon Hoverwork has acquired Hovercraft Consultants, a company that specialises in hovercraft skirt technology.
Andor Technology, a manufacturer of scientific cameras and equipment, has acquired the US-based Photonic Instruments.
Managed Support Services has acquired Data Sound, a health and safety consultancy, for £2.8m. The company will be integrated into the MSS group.
The London theatre and attraction tickets company Encore Tickets has completed a management buy-out, backed by ISIS Equity Partners, worth over £20m.
STV Group, the Scottish television and media brand, is to sell its cinema advertising company Pearl & Dean Cinemas for £1. The business has been acquired by a newly formed company that is backed by a director of Empire Cinemas.
The insurance intermediary BGL Group, owner of comparethemarket.com, has acquired the motor and home insurance division of Bradford & Bingley through its affinity specialist Junction. Junction will retain the Bradford & Bingley brand name to market motor and home insurance products.
Looking to expand in the European market, Zipcar, the US-based car-sharing network, has acquired the UK car club Streetcar. Operating as Zipcar, the companies hope to offer their members access to a larger network of vehicles and an improved online service.
NCC Group, a provider of IT security and assurance services, has acquired the specialist IT testing solutions company SDLC Solutions for £15m.
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings has acquired the French reinsurer La Licorne Compagnie de Reassurances.
2e2 is to acquire the IT services provider Morse for around £69.8m.
Spice, a company that provides outsourced support services to the utility sector, is to sell its telecoms division for £32.8m. The private equity firm Gresham is backing SIATEL Holdings to purchase the business.
Crompton Greaves, a subsidiary of the Indian business conglomerate Avantha Group, is to acquire the UK-based electrical engineering firm Power Technology Solutions for £30m, allowing Crompton Greaves to expand in the engineering, procurement and maintenance sector.
The private equity firm Duke Street has acquired a controlling stake in Payzone, the payment services group. Taking on a 69% share in the group, Duke Street hopes to grow the business by introducing new services and making complementary acquisitions. Further expanding its financial services portfolio, Duke Street has also acquired a controlling interest in the Marlin Group, a consumer debt purchaser.
Investec, the investment banking and asset management firm, is to acquire the remaining 52% share in Rensburg Sheppards that it does not already own.
Mercian Labels Group, a label printing specialist, has acquired the barcode label manufacturer AC Labels.
The UK-based consumer packaging supplier Chesapeake has acquired the Polish labels and cartons manufacturer Cezar.
The UK arm of the investment research firm Morningstar has acquired a rival company, Old Broad Street Research, for £11.95m. OBSR will become a subsidiary of Morningstar.
Reliance BIG Entertainment, the media division of leading Indian enterprise group Reliance ADA, is to acquire a 50% share in the computer games publisher Codemasters. Reliance BIG's subsidiary Zapak Digital Entertainment, the largest gaming firm in India, will manage the investment. The remaining 50% of the company is owned by an existing investor, Balderton Capital Managment.
Gresham Private Equity has invested £12.3m in the insurance claims management and emergency repair provider Lanes Assistance Services. Lanes is to undergo a management buy-out and expand the business.
Burst Media, the online advertising network, has secured its position in the UK market with the acquisition of the London-based company On The Phone Media, which trades as OTP Media.
Innovise Software, a provider of facilities management solutions, has acquired the ID card and visitor management specialist Identifile Systems.
Plink, a UK-based company that develops visual search engines for mobile phone applications, has been acquired by Google. Plink staff will now join Google to develop its own version of the technology, Google Goggles.
Coventry Building Society is to merge with Stroud & Swindon Building Society creating an organisation with 91 branches and 1.5 million members in the Midlands and South West. The Society will operate as Coventry Building Society but the Stroud & Swindon brand name will be retained.
Stepstone Solutions, a talent management and e-recruitment software provider, has been acquired by the private equity firm HgCapital. This is the third investment that HgCapital has made into software-as-a-service technology in two years.
Entec Holdings, an environmental and engineering consultancy, has been acquired by AMEC for £61.2m. The company will become part of AMEC's earth and environmental division.
Brulines Group, a provider of data management services for pubs and the leisure sector, is to acquire Energy Level Systems. Brulines plans to expand its interests in the petrol forecourt industry by acquiring ELS, a specialist in fuel gauging and delivery systems.
RehabWorks, a provider of rehabilitation and return to work treatment services for employers, insurers and public sector organisations, has completed a £10m management buy-out backed by Sovereign Capital.
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, the Canadian pension provider, is to acquire the UK National Lottery operator Camelot Group for around £389m.
London Mining, a developer of mines for the steel industry, has acquired the remaining 80% share in International Coal Company that it did not already own. The acquisition, worth up to $14m, opens up new opportunities for London Mining in Columbia.
The live-in care provider Active Assistance has merged with First Call Care Services based in Essex.
The private equity firm Synova Capital has acquired the Dental Buying Group, a membership organisation providing products and services for the dental industry.
The residential landlord and asset management company Grainger has acquired PHA for £15.3m. PHA currently owns 162 properties in Devon.
Chrysalis, the music publishing group, has acquired the intellectual property and copyright manager First State Media Group, which currently controls over 45,000 music copyrights.
Ebiquity, a media and marketing analytics agency, has acquired the media monitoring company Xtreme Information Services, and also plans to buy the remaining 50% share in the German company Thomson Media Control that it does not already own.
SpiriTel, the business communications company, has acquired the IP telephony and networking division of the Nessco Group, Nessco Ltd, for £1.2m. It is SpiriTel's first acquisition in Scotland and Nessco will become part of the company's business division.
The buy-out firm Cinven has purchased Sebia, a French medical diagnostics company, from Montagu Private Equity.
DavyMarkham, a UK-based manufacturing firm, has become part of the Indian infrastructure group IVRCL Infrastructures & Projects. The company has been acquired by IVRCL's engineering subsidiary Hindustan Dorr Oliver.
T Clarke, the building services contractor, has acquired the facilities management firm D&S Engineering.
Independent News and Media has sold two of its titles, The Independent and The Independent on Sunday, to Independent Print, a company owned by the Russian businessman Alexander Lebedev. Lebedev already owns the London Evening Standard.
Avon Products has expanded its global portfolio, particularly in anti-ageing products, with the acquisition of the skincare brand Liz Earle Beauty Co, a range marketed around naturally active ingredients.
Babcock International Group is to acquire VT Group, a provider of defence, government and critical support services. It is hoped that the combined group will reach a wider customer base with an increased service offering.
The managing director of the lettings agency Leaders has led a management buy-out of the firm worth £48m, which includes finance for expansion. The deal is backed by the private equity firm Bowmark Capital.
BP Labels has been acquired by the specialty plastic and fibre products supplier Filtrona for up to £4.5m. Filtrona's coated and security products division, which offers items such as pressure sensitive tear tape, is hoping to utilise BP's complementary industry solutions.
The metal packaging firm Impress has purchased Service Tool International, a supplier of machinery and tooling equipment, after the company went into administration.
James Hay, a provider of self invested personal pensions, has become part of the financial services company IFG Group. James Hay was sold by Santander Private Banking for up to £38.9m. As a result of the acquisition, IFG will become the largest SIPP provider in the UK market.
eg solutions, a software company that provides back office optimisation solutions, has acquired the performance management software supplier XTAQ.
Towergate Financial, a subsidiary of Towergate Partnership, has acquired the mortgage advisory firm John Charcol. Towergate has stated its intention to create a mortgage broking business to complement its private client and corporate services.
Avisen, the performance management consultancy, is to acquire the IT services group Xploite. It is hoped that the enlarged company will have improved buy-and-build capabilities for further development.
The management team of Synseal Extrusions, a manufacturer of windows and conservatories, has acquired the company in a management buy-out backed by HIG Capital.
Hamilton Bradshaw, the private equity firm owned by the Dragons Den businessman James Caan, has acquired a 90% share in DRC Group, which provides locum services and temporary staffing for the NHS.
Deb Group, the company responsible for the Swarfega industrial hygiene brand, has been acquired in a management buy-out backed by Charterhouse Capital.
The private equity firm Bridgepoint is to acquire Care UK, the health and social care provider, for £281m.
The retail chain Pavers Shoes has acquired the online store Shoe-shop.com allowing the company to offer a multi-channel service. Shoe-shop.com was established in 1999 by Stuart Paver, son of the founder of Pavers Shoes, Catherine Paver.
The private equity house Endless, in partnership with HSBC, has acquired the schoolwear supplier Trutex.
Fishawack Communications, a UK-based medical communications agency, has expanded in the US with the acquisition of Nexus Communications. The deal was backed by the investment firm YFM Group.
Baxter Healthcare has acquired the UK-based medical technology company ApaTech for up to $330m.
Advanced Computer Software has acquired Cerrus, a provider of software to the community health and social care sectors.
Sovereign Capital has backed a management buy-out of the drain and sewer services specialist Euro Environmental Group.
Access Intelligence has acquired Cobent, a provider of learning management systems and compliance training software, for £5.2m.
Avacta Group, a provider of analytical technology to the drug development and diagnostics sectors, has acquired ReactivLab. The company specialises in veterinary diagnostic services and will become part of the Avacta Animal Health division.
Deloitte has expanded its environmental consulting practice with the acquisition of dcarbon8, a consultancy that helps businesses to achieve responsible carbon management and sustainability.
The payment service provider PayPoint is to acquire Verrus, the company that pioneered mobile phone payment systems used by parking authorities, for up to £29m.
Straight, a supplier of recycling containers, has acquired the UK division of the Greek firm Helesi for £1.65m. Straight will hold the manufacturing and distribution rights for Helesi products in the UK, which will be jointly branded.
The construction materials group Michelmersh Brick Holdings has acquired Freshfield Lane Brickworks.
K3, a supplier of supply chain software to the retail, distribution and manufacturing markets, has expanded its business in the UK and Europe. It has purchased the managed IT services company DigiMIS for up to £1.3m, and Pebblestone Netherlands, a provider of enterprise resource planning solutions for the fashion industry, for £1.26m. Pebblestone will become part of K3 Nederland, K3's Dutch retail solutions business.
The British industrial steel engineer Delta has been acquired by the US company Valmont Industries.
The insurance company MetLife is to acquire American Life Insurance Company, an international subsidiary of AIG, for $15.5 billion. The purchase will significantly boost MetLife's market position in Japan, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Byotrol, a company that develops advanced anti-microbial products, has acquired ByoFresh, a supplier of pet grooming and hygiene products. ByoFresh has already been using the Byotrol technology in its products for several years.
The support services provider Europa has enhanced its facilities management capabilities with the acquisition of Integrated Building Services Engineering Consultants. The company, which trades as Operon, had previously entered administration, and its team will now become part of Europa.
The digital brand agency LBi has merged with the search marketing company bigmouthmedia. LBi foresees that the deal will create the largest digital agency in Europe able to offer integrated online marketing, consulting and technology services.
The Chesham Building Society is to merge with Skipton Building Society. The Chesham's branches will be renamed but will remain open, and members will have access to Skipton's numerous branches and customer services.
The investment firm Lion Capital has sold the UK and US operations of Kettle Foods to the US snack foods company Diamond Foods for $615m.
Li & Fung, the Hong Kong-based consumer goods supply chain management company, is to acquire the UK-based clothing design and distribution business Visage for £173m, in an effort to expand within Europe.
Zerographic Systems has acquired the document printing and presentation company Murodigital, which will continue to operate under its existing name.
JF Hillebrand, a provider of wine and beverage logistics services, has acquired ABV Logistics. Both companies hope to benefit from a wider customer base. In particular, ABV has a strong presence in Iberia and Italy.
equityCare, a specialist in financial and legal advice for the care home sector, has merged with Paying For Care At Home, the domiciliary care subsidiary of Better Retirement. The organisation will operate under the equityCare brand.
A majority stake in the London-based computer games developer Rocksteady Studios has been acquired by Warner Bros Home Entertainment Group. The acquisition follows Rocksteady's success with the critically acclaimed game Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009, a key franchise brand for Warner Bros.
Ideal Shopping Direct, the television and internet home shopping company, has acquired the online retailer Lead The Good Life.
Excelsyn, a pharmaceutical services company based in North Wales, has been acquired by the US firm AMRI.
3i Group has sold its controlling stake in the Nordic healthcare provider Ambea to the buyout firm Triton, for around €850m.
Through its subsidiary Centrica Resources, Centrica is to acquire certain gas assets of Suncor Energy for £246m. The assets in question are based in Trinidad and Tobago and provide the company with its first liquefied natural gas position.
Rolls-Royce is to buy the remaining 67% stake in the Norwegian marine technology company ODIM ASA that it does not already own.
A 70% stake in the online insurance company esure will be sold by Lloyds Banking Group. Peter Wood, a founder of the esure business, will lead a management buy-out through the newly formed company esure Group Holdings.
Following the announcement that the company had entered administration, London Town, a pub group with around 350 sites in the UK, has been acquired by its management team.
SLR, the environmental consultancy, has acquired the Australian company Heggies. It is SLR's first acquisition in this region. The company has also acquired the specialist ecological consultancy Andrew McCarthy Associates.
United Business Media has acquired the banner advertising platform Game Advertising Online, through its subsidiary UBM TechWeb, for up to $8m. TechWeb specialises in business technology solutions for technology professionals, and hopes that this acquisition will expand its client base within the games industry.
Through its European division Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the US hospitality group Wyndham Worldwide is to acquire the UK holiday firm Hoseasons Holdings for approximately $60m.
Handicare, a Norwegian-based group of companies specialising in mobility products, has acquired the UK stairlift manufacturer Minivator.
Halfords has acquired Nationwide Autocentres, the car servicing and repair company, for £73.2m. Halfords, which already holds a leading retail position in car maintenance, hopes to add 200 new outlets to Nationwide's 224 existing sites, and rebrand the company as Halfords Autocentres.
Affiliated Managers Group has purchased two UK-based businesses, Pantheon Investments and Artemis Investment Management.
Advanced Computer Software, a provider of IT services to the primary care sector, has acquired Redac Holdings for £100m. Redac owns COA Solutions, which specialises in business management and information systems for service sector organisations.
Astaire Securities, the institutional investment firm, is to acquire the stockbroker Hoodless Brennan for £3.6m.
Alliance Pharma is to acquire Cambridge Laboratories, a pharmaceutical distribution and development company, for up to £16.4m. Alliance will gain 18 prescription brands to add to its portfolio of established niche products.
RSA Insurance Group has acquired the Oman-based Al Ahlia Insurance Company for £31m. RSA's emerging markets platform in the region will benefit from the acquisition and Al Ahlia will become the largest insurance group in Oman.
Barclays Bank is to increase its European presence with the acquisition of the Italian credit card division of Citibank International Bank, which consists of 197,000 credit card accounts. Eventually the business will become part of Barclays Italy and the cards will be rebranded under Barclaycard.
A group of private equity firms has entered into an agreement to acquire the software-as-a-service e-learning solutions provider SkillSoft. Berkshire Partners, Advent International Corporation and Bain Capital Partners will pay around $1.1 billion for the business.
Robotic Technology Systems, a specialist in automation systems for life sciences and industrial processes, has acquired a 65% share in the US-based scientific instrument manufacturer Hatch Science.
The online gaming software supplier Playtech has acquired Virtue Fusion, a bingo software company, for up to £36m. As a result of the acquisition, Playtech will have a market leading position in online bingo as well as poker and casino.
Asterand, a specialist in human tissue research, has acquired the US-based research company BioSeek.
The veterinary service provider CVS Group is to acquire Veterinary Enterprises & Trading, the holding company of several veterinary surgeries and a laboratory in the South East of England.
The property and infrastructure consultancy Capita Symonds has acquired NB Real Estate, a commercial property management company, for £10m. It will continue to trade under its existing name.
Guinness World Records moves to expand its online presence with the acquisition of the social networking site Bragster.com, which allows visitors to upload videos of dares and challenges. Guinness has plans to create a new version of the site that will allow users to share record attempts through an online community.
Daisy Group has acquired the IP telecoms carrier and telephony reseller BNS Telecom Group.
The television and radio production company Above The Title has been acquired by UBC Media Group, a provider of services to the radio industry.
First Artist Management has been acquired by the talent management agency James Grant Media as it establishes a new division to represent the factual and specialist, sports media and news broadcast genres.
The corporate advisory and stockbroking firm Daniel Stewart Securities has expanded its global presence with the acquisition of the financial consultancy MENA-RL, which operates throughout Europe, Africa and the six Gulf Co-operation Council member states.
AXA Private Equity has sold a 65.5% stake in Spotless Group, a French manufacturer of household products, to the private equity firm BC Partners.
In preparation for launching its new division TSG Enterprise Solutions, the IT company Technology Services Group has acquired the consultancy Croft Technology.
The Latin American chemical production company Mexichem is to buy INEOS Fluor, the fluorochemicals division of the INEOS Group.
European Nickel is to merge with the Australian company Rusina Mining. The combined group is predicted to produce around 45,000 tonnes of nickel a year through it projects in Turkey and the Philippines.
The private equity firm Bridgepoint has acquired LGC, a laboratory services specialist, for £257m.
Portugal's Banco Espirito Santo de Investimento has acquired a 50.1% stake in the UK-based investment banking group Executive Noble. The combined group will have nearly 1000 offices worldwide and the opportunity to provide investment banking services in new markets such as Brazil and India.
Trinity Mirror is to acquire GMG Regional Media, the local media division of the Guardian Media Group, for £44.8m. The division is currently responsible for 32 regional publications in the north west and south of England, including the Manchester Evening News and the Reading Post. The deal does not include Channel M, a TV station in Manchester, or the local newspapers in Woking.
Adventis Group is to acquire bChannels, the technology and telecoms marketing company. bChannels will work alongside the group's existing marketing agency Second2.
The newly formed private equity firm Better Capital has acquired Gardner Aerospace, a supplier of metallic components to the aerospace industry.
Swindon-based AML, a company that manufactures armour and security products, has been acquired by TenCate. AML's activities, particularly within vehicle armour production, will complement and expand TenCate's offering in the UK and throughout Europe.
The BSS Group, a distribution company supplying specialist trades, has acquired the builders merchant UGS for £5.1m.
The insurance group Amlin has acquired the insolvency insurance business of Lockton. The company will trade as AUA Insolvency Risk Services, an FSA-registered broker.
The customer insight consultancy dunnhumby has acquired KSS Retail, a provider of price modelling and optimisation software for retailers. dunnhumby works with leading retailers such as Tesco.
The GCI Telecom Group, which trades as Edge Telecom, has acquired the electronic communications company Invomo, bringing inbound telephony and network expertise to the group.
The investment firm YFMhas backed a management buy-in worth £3.5m at Deep-Secure, a provider of communication solutions for military, defence and intelligence organisations.
Balfour Beatty has acquired Multibuild Hotels & Leisure and Multibuild Interiors for £1.9m. The companies, which were originally a subsidiary of Multibuild Holdings, provide construction and fit-out services.
Klarius, the car parts manufacturer, has acquired Quinton Hazell Automotive, thereby widening its product offering and global network. Quinton Hazell was previously owned by the US firm Affinia.
In its fortieth acquisition in six years, Chess Telecom has acquired the business telecommunications company Pennycom.
Callprint Group has acquired Redwood Press, a Liverpool-based printing and creative solutions company that had entered administration.
The UK subsidiary of the Finnish food group Raisio is to purchase the snack foods company Glisten.
The US project management firm Versar has acquired the UK-based Professional Protection Systems. PPS manufactures protection equipment for the nuclear industry.
The Tall Group, a provider of special cheques and payment solutions, has acquired Card Data Management. The company, which trades as ID Data, provides secure card payment services.
KKR, an alternative asset management firm, has acquired the pet retail chain Pets At Home from the investment company Bridgepoint.
The online gaming company Sportech is to acquire Scientific Games Racing, a division of the US-based gaming systems specialist Scientific Games Corporation, for up to £51.4m. As a result of the acquisition, the combined company will be a leading pool-based betting systems provider focusing on football and horseracing services. To fund the deal Sportech has sold a stake in its business to software firm Playtech who will bring e-gaming solutions to the group.
Watson Pharmaceuticals has acquired the UK-based Eden Biopharm Group. Eden will become part of the global brands division at Watson and boost its biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities. Watson already owned a small stake in the business following its previous acquisition of the Arrow Group.
The private equity firm Advent International has acquired Xafinity, the pensions administration and employee benefits consultancy.
Warburg Pincus, the private equity firm, is to acquire a majority stake in the safety and survival equipment manufacturer Survitec Group. Survitec's management will retain a minority share in the company, which was previously owned by Montagu Private Equity. It hopes that investment from Warburg Pincus will allow the company to continue its global expansion.
The engineering and project management company Amec has acquired Currie & Brown, an Australian cost management consultancy.
The business telecommunications provider SpiriTel has acquired Boucon Network Solutions, a Swansea-based telephony specialist.
Vindon Scientific, a company that provides environmental testing and storage solutions, has acquired Westech Instruments, a US-based business that has been distributing Vindon products since 2006. There are plans to expand the US business, which will now trade as Vindon.
West Africa Diamonds, a mining company with projects in Guinea and Sierra Leone, is to complete a reverse takeover of Stellar Diamonds, which operates in the same region.
Horizon Print Finishing Equipment has acquired Graphic Arts Equipment, a finishing equipment distribution company that went into administration at the beginning of 2010. The newly formed company will trade as Intelligent Finishing Systems.
The environmental consultancy RSK Group has acquired Green-Car-Guide.com, a website providing news and information on green vehicles. RSK believes this may be the first deal of its kind for an environmental consultancy and plans to utilise the website in its work within the transport sector.
The education and information group Pearson will expand the services offered by its business publication The Financial Times through the acquisition of Medley Global Advisors. Medley provides macro policy information for hedge funds, asset managers and investment banks.
Amobee Media Systems is to acquire the UK-based mobile advertising company RingRing Media. Amobee, which provides advertising solutions for mobile operators, plans to create the industry's largest mobile advertising exchange by using RingRing's platform to connect advertisers, media buying agencies, mobile publishers, operators and application developers.
The advertising agency JCDecaux has purchased certain assets of Titan Outdoor Advertising, including the rail and retail divisions, after the company was placed into administration.
West Ham United Football Club has been acquired by David Sullivan, the former owner of Birmingham City. He has purchased a 50% controlling stake in the club, and will become joint chairman alongside David Gold, his partner at Birmingham.
Adecco Group has acquired the US recruitment company MPS Group. The MPS UK subsidiaries Badenoch & Clark and Modis International will join Adecco UK but will continue to operate as individual businesses.
SDL, the translation and information management software provider, has acquired the ecommerce software specialist Fredhopper. The acquisition allows SDL to move into the retail sector and create new solutions for online customer support. Fredhopper will operate as SDL eCommerce Technologies.
The ICT infrastructure specialist Logicalis Group has acquired NetStar Group, an IP network service provider in the Asia-Pacific region and the US, for $19.8m.
Teachers' Private Capital, the investment department of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, has acquired the UK-based organisation Acorn Care and Education. Acorn operates a network of schools and fostering services for children and young people with learning difficulties.
James Fisher & Sons, the specialist marine services provider, has acquired Australian Commercial Marine through its subsidiary FenderCare Marine Solutions. The £3m acquisition allows FenderCare to expand in the Asia-Pacific region where ACM is a local supplier of equipment to the commercial shipping and offshore industries.
Halma, a group of companies that develops health, industrial safety and hazard sensor technologies, has acquired the US firm SphereOptics for £1.5m. SphereOptics, which specialises in light measurement products, will merge with Labsphere, a company within Halma's health and analytics division.
Daily Mail & General Trust has acquired a 50% stake in the property search engine Globrix through its consumer website division Associated Northcliffe Digital. Globrix will become part of The Digital Property Group, AND's network of property sites that already includes Primelocation.com and FindaProperty.com.
Spectrum Interactive, the internet kiosk and WiFi provider, has acquired the specialist marina WiFi operator Ocean Wave Europe. As a result, Spectrum will be responsible for connecting around 15,000 permanent and visiting berth holders to the internet at 40 marinas in the UK and Ireland.
Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group has strengthened its employee benefits consultancy service with the acquisition of iimia Wealth Management, a division of Midas Capital. JLT hopes to benefit from iimia's expertise in discretionary portfolio management, as the popularity of arranging personal pensions grows.
Deloitte has expanded its capabilities in the real estate market with the acquisition of the property advisory firm Drivers Jonas. Deloitte will create a new company trading as Drivers Jonas Deloitte that will offer real estate advisory and transaction services.
After much negotiation, Kraft Foods has announced it is to acquire Cadbury for £11.6 billion. The combined group will be a global market leader with a portfolio of 40 confectionery brands, and both companies stand to benefit from an increased international presence. Kraft is having success in developing markets such as China, Brazil and Russia, while Cadbury offers a strong position in Europe and India.
The accountancy firm Cowgill Holloway has merged with the Liverpool-based accountancy Jackson UK. The combined company will operate as Cowgill Holloway.
Virgin Holidays has acquired the tailor made and escorted holiday firm Bales Worldwide.
Perspective Financial Services ended 2009 with the acquisition of the financial planning firm Platinum Portfolios. The company has since acquired the Somerset-based firm Future Lifestyle, which will become part of Perspective's subsidiary Charles Reynolds Associates.
Impact Holdings, a provider of short term funding solutions and business services, is to acquire Sutherland Professional Funding.
Alberto Culver Company, the US-based manufacturer of beauty care brands such as TRESemme, St. Ives and Alberto VO5, has acquired the UK company Simple Health & Beauty. As a result of the acquisition, Alberto Culver will become the second-largest skin care manufacturer in the UK, its primary foreign market.
Wolseley UK, the construction materials distributor, has sold its entire business in Ireland to WIBHM Limited for £23.8m. The Irish network consists of 67 branches, including a subsidiary in Northern Ireland.
Obtala Resources, a mining company with interests in East Africa, has acquired Sierra Leone Hard Rock, a subsidiary of African Minerals.
Pinnacle Telecom Group has acquired the business internet and telecommunications provider Solwise Telephony, and its subsidiary Sipswitch.
Vertu Motors is to acquire its first dealership in Scotland through its subsidiary company Bristol Street First Investments. Specifically Vertu will acquire Boydslaw, the owner of the Ford dealership Dunfermline Autocentre, for around £2.7m.
The directors of the vocational training provider JHP Group have completed a management buy-out of the company backed by Lloyds TSB Development Capital.
The marketing communications group Media Square has acquired Chick Smith Trott, an advertising agency formerly part of the Cagney group. CST will be based at the same offices as The Gate, Media Square's existing advertising agency.