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AMERICAS

AngloGold Ashanti to acquire Augusta Gold for CAD197m.

AngloGold Ashanti, a global gold mining company, agreed to acquire Augusta Gold, an exploration and development company, for CAD197m ($144m), according to press releases.

Augusta Gold is advised by National Bank Financial, Cassels Brock & Blackwell and Dorsey & Whitney. AngloGold Ashanti is advised by RBC Capital Markets, Cravath Swaine & Moore, Stikeman Elliott and Womble Bond Dickinson, according to press releases.

SLB completes the acquisition of ChampionX for $8bn.

SLB, a global technology company that drives energy innovation, completed the acquisition of ChampionX, a pumps and pumping equipment company, for $8bn, according to press releases.

ChampionX was advised by Centerview Partners (led by Gayle Turk), Weil Gotshal and Manges (led by Michael J. Aiello) and Joele Frank (led by Tim Lynch). Centerview Partners were advised by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher (led by Andrew Kaplan). SLB was advised by Goldman Sachs (led by Suhail Sikhtian) and Latham & Watkins (led by Ryan Maierson and Christopher Drewry).

Universal's $775m Downtown bid faces EU antitrust investigation. (Reuters)

Virgin Music Group, a unit of Universal Music Group, is set to face an in-depth antitrust probe by the European Union over its proposed $775m acquisition of Downtown Music.

The European Commission is expected to launch a full-scale investigation amid concerns the deal could reduce competition in the European music distribution market.

Downtown Music is advised by Goldman Sachs and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom (led by Howard Ellin, Glen G. Mastroberte and David Eisman). Virgin Music is advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Kirkland & Ellis (led by Peter Martelli and Jimin He) and Brunswick Group, according to press releases and MergerLinks data.

Deltatre to acquire Endeavor Streaming.

Deltatre, a tech company providing streaming, digital, data, and graphics solutions, agreed to acquire Endeavor Streaming, a multinational digital video distribution and streaming company, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Endeavor Streaming is advised by Latham & Watkins and The Raine Group. Deltatre is advised by Weil Gotshal and Manges and New Deal Advisors, according to press releases.

Nautic Partners completes the acquisition of AccessIT Group.

Nautic Partners, a private equity firm, completed the acquisition of AccessIT Group, a specialized cybersecurity solutions provider, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

AccessIT was advised by DC Advisory (led by Vik Sharma) and Morrison Cohen. Nautic Partners was advised by Troutman Pepper Locke, according to press releases and MergerLinks data.

New York Mortgage Trust completes the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Constructive Loans.

New York Mortgage Trust, a residential real estate investment trust, completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Constructive Loans, a business purpose loan lender specializing in rental and transitional loans for real estate investors, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

New York Mortgage Trust was advised by Vinson & Elkins, Mayer Brown and BTIG, according to press releases.

KKR to acquire a minority stake in ghSMART.

KKR, a global investment firm, agreed to acquire a minority stake in ghSMART, a global leadership advisory firm, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

ghSMART is advised by Goldman Sachs and Kirkland & Ellis (led by Douglas Ryder and Jack R. Shirley). KKR is advised by Dechert, according to press releases.

Wilshire completes the acquisition of ParkLexington.

Wilshire, a global financial services firm, completed the acquisition of ParkLexington, a data and analytics firm, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

ParkLexington was advised by Houlihan Lokey. Wilshire was advised by Prosek Partners (led by Aiden Woglom), according to press releases and MergerLinks data.

Cuadrilla Capital completes the investment in TigerGraph.

Cuadrilla Capital, a private equity firm, completed the investment in TigerGraph, a provider of enterprise graph database and AI infrastructure solutions, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

TigerGraph was advised by Barclays, according to press releases and MergerLinks data.

EDF considers sale of €2bn stake in North American renewables arm. (Bloomberg)

Electricite de France is evaluating the sale of approximately 50% of its North American renewable energy division in a deal that could be valued at around €2bn ($2.2bn). The French state-owned utility is exploring the divestment as part of efforts to conserve capital for major investments in nuclear energy infrastructure within France.

While discussions are ongoing, sources noted that EDF may decide to adjust the size of the stake sale depending on market interest. The transaction would mark a significant shift in EDF’s North American strategy, potentially opening the door to strategic partnerships or broader financial restructuring.

Barrick weighs sale of gold mine to Discovery Silver. (Bloomberg)

Barrick Mining is in advanced discussions to divest its final Canadian gold asset, the Hemlo mine in Ontario, to Discovery Silver. The talks follow a sales process initiated in April as Barrick looks to optimize its portfolio amid a surge in gold prices. Discovery Silver is now considered the leading contender for the asset, although no final agreement has been reached.

If completed, the sale would mark Barrick’s full exit from gold mining operations in Canada. The deal would also bolster Discovery Silver’s position in the precious metals sector, enhancing its growth profile through a producing asset.

Aquarian nears deal for US insurer Brighthouse. (WSJ)

Aquarian is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Brighthouse Financial, a major US-based life insurance provider. The move follows a competitive bidding process, during which Aquarian edged out other final-round contenders, including TPG. The deal may be finalized soon, though terms have not yet been disclosed.

The acquisition would significantly expand Aquarian’s footprint in the insurance sector and aligns with its strategy of targeting financial services firms with long-term value potential. Brighthouse, which was spun off from MetLife in 2017, has been seen as a prime candidate for private capital investment due to its strong balance sheet and mature portfolio.

Ares-backed Cooper’s Hawk seeks private credit as it plans IPO. (Bloomberg)

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, a US-based restaurant chain and wine club supported by Ares Management, is preparing to raise up to $400m in private credit as it gears up for an initial public offering. Jefferies Financial is said to be contacting direct lenders to secure the funding package, which includes refinancing existing debt and raising growth capital.

The move comes as Cooper’s Hawk revives IPO ambitions, aiming to strengthen its balance sheet and position itself for public market entry. The company blends upscale casual dining with a proprietary wine club model that has grown popular in the US.

SoftBank-backed travel app Klook is said to be considering a US listing. (Bloomberg)

Klook, a travel and leisure booking platform backed by SoftBank Group and Goldman Sachs, is considering a US initial public offering that could raise between $300m and $500m. The company is said to be working with financial advisers and may submit a confidential filing soon.

If successful, the IPO would support Klook’s ambitions to expand globally following strong demand in the post-pandemic travel rebound. The Hong Kong-based startup is among Asia’s most well-funded consumer tech firms operating in the tourism sector.

EMEA

CBRE IM completes the $300m investment in Via Célere.

CBRE IM, an investment firm, completed the $300m investment in Via Célere, a development and construction company, according to press releases.

CBRE IM was advised by Jones Day (led by Christopher Slack), according to press releases and MergerLinks data.

Helsana to acquire Adcubum from TA Associates.

Helsana, a health and accident insurer, agreed to acquire Adcubum, a provider of health and accident insurance software, from TA Associates, a private equity firm, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

TA Associates is advised by Bar & Karrer (led by Christoph Neeracher), according to press releases and MergerLinks data.

TVM Capital Healthcare led a $124m Series B round in Baraya.

TVM Capital Healthcare, a specialized healthcare expansion and growth capital investment firm, led a $124m Series B round in Baraya Extended Care, a long-term care and rehabilitation services provider, according to press releases.

Apollo in talks to buy stake in Atlético Madrid. (FT)

Apollo Global Management is negotiating a potential equity investment in Atlético Madrid, Spain’s third-largest football club. The discussions initially centered on financing an €800m real estate development near the club’s stadium, but evolved to include Apollo’s interest in acquiring a stake in Atlético Holdco, the entity that controls the club.

If completed, the deal would represent a rare move into professional sports ownership for Apollo, which has typically focused on traditional private equity, infrastructure, and credit investments. Atlético Madrid has been seeking strategic capital to support both on-field competitiveness and off-field developments.

Claire’s shops around for a buyer of the UK arm. (Sky News)

Claire’s, the US-based fashion accessories and budget jewellery chain, has appointed Interpath Advisory to seek potential buyers for its UK operations. The process affects around 280 stores across Britain and comes amid wider financial challenges, including the possibility of bankruptcy proceedings for its US business.

The strategic review is aimed at preserving Claire’s presence in the UK while addressing financial pressures in its home market. A sale or restructuring of the UK division could help stabilize the brand’s global footprint amid ongoing retail sector disruptions.

APAC

VCI Global to acquire V Capital Fund Management.

VCI Global, a Malaysia-based diversified holding company, agreed to acquire V Capital Fund Management, a fund management company, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Schneider in talks to buy Temasek’s stake in Indian JV. (Bloomberg)

Schneider Electric is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire the remaining 35% stake in its Indian joint venture from Temasek Holdings for around $1bn. The move would give Schneider full ownership of Schneider Electric India, a deal that could value the entire business at approximately $5bn, including debt.

The French energy and automation group is looking to consolidate its presence in India, one of its fastest-growing markets. The deal, if finalized, would mark a significant step in Schneider’s global expansion strategy and provide Temasek with a sizable exit from one of its key infrastructure investments.

Chinese AI firm MiniMax confidentially files for Hong Kong IPO. (DealStreetAsia)

MiniMax, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering in Hong Kong, with plans to debut before the end of 2025. The company is aiming for a valuation exceeding $4bn and expects to raise between HKD4bn ($510m) and HKD5bn ($637m).

The IPO would mark one of the most significant tech listings in Hong Kong this year, reflecting growing investor appetite for AI companies in the region. MiniMax develops large language models and other generative AI tools, placing it among China’s top-tier AI contenders.

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