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AMERICAS

Macquarie to invest BRL300m in Brasil TecPar.

Macquarie, a diversified financial group, agreed to invest BRL300m ($50m) in Brasil TecPar, a Brazilian connectivity and technology company, according to press releases.

Brasil TecPar is advised by BTG Pactual, according to MergerLinks data.

Granite Creek Capital Partners completes the acquisition of Ritchie Industries.

Granite Creek Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in Chicago, completed the acquisition of Ritchie Industries, a private investment firm based in Chicago. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Granite Creek Capital Partners was advised by LCH Communications (led by Lisa Hendrickson), according to press releases.

Perplexity AI bids to merge with TikTok US. (Reuters)

US search engine startup Perplexity AI submitted a proposal to merge with TikTok’s US operations. The bid, made to TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance, comes as TikTok faces a potential US ban due to its ownership structure.

While the ban was set to take effect on Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump has indicated a likely 90-day extension. The proposed merger reflects efforts to resolve national security concerns and ensure TikTok’s continued presence in the US market.

Historically, Perplexity AI has worked with Latham & Watkins, according to MergerLinks data.

Foothill Ventures raises $110m for new fund. (DealStreetAsia)

Foothill Ventures, a Los Altos, California-based venture fund specializing in seed and Series A investments, announced the close of its third fund at over $110m.

The fund exceeded its initial target. New capital will enable Foothill Ventures to continue supporting innovative startups, focusing on sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, and enterprise technology.

EMEA

TDR Capital to acquire CorpAcq for £1bn. (SkyNews)

TDR Capital, a private equity firm, agreed to acquire CorpAcq, a UK-based company specialising in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, for £1bn ($1.2bn).

TDR Capital is advised by Barclays, according to MergerLinks data.

Blackboxstocks terminates the merger with Evtec Group.

Blackboxstocks, a financial technology and social media hybrid platform, terminated the merger with Evtec Group, a supplier of proprietary parts for electric vehicle, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Adelis to merge Crowe Osborne, Frejs Revisorer, RSM Göteborg and Qrev.

Adelis, a private equity firm, agreed to merge Crowe Osborne, Frejs Revisorer, RSM Göteborg and Qrev, four audit firms, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Hitachi Rail to acquire Omnicom from Balfour Beatty.

Hitachi Rail, a rolling stock and railway signalling manufacturing company, agreed to acquire Omnicom, a digital rail monitoring company, from Balfour Beatty, an infrastructure group, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Daniel Kretinsky is among potential buyers for Uniper. (Reuters)

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky emerged as one of the suitors approached by Berlin for the potential purchase of Uniper, the German state-owned utility. Kretinsky’s energy holding company, EPH, majority-owned by his investment vehicle EPCG, is actively involved in the process.

Other potential buyers reportedly include Brookfield Asset Management, Norway’s Equinor, and Abu Dhabi's TAQA. The discussions are still at an early stage.

Secret Escapes hires Arma Partners for sale process. (SkyNews)

Online travel platform Secret Escapes engaged investment bank Arma Partners to oversee a potential sale, nearly 15 years after its founding. The members-only travel service has attracted significant backing over the years from prominent investors such as Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund Temasek and UK-listed Chrysalis Investments.

The auction process highlights Secret Escapes’ efforts to explore strategic opportunities amid evolving trends in the travel industry.

Telefonica appoints Marc Murtra as executive chairman. (Press Release)

Telefonica, a Spanish multinational telecommunications company, replaced Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete with Indra’s Marc Murtra as executive chair of the company.

Mr. Álvarez-Pallete announced his resignation, which was accepted by Telefonica's board of directors.

Bain Capital names new new co-head of European private equity. (Bloomberg)

Bain Capital promoted Ivano Sessa to co-head its European private equity operations, as part of a leadership reshuffle in the region. The 47-year-old Italian executive will lead the business alongside Stuart Gent.

The move underscores Bain Capital’s commitment to strengthening its leadership as it navigates opportunities and challenges across European markets.

APAC

BTN to acquire Bank Victoria Syariah for $64m.

BTN, a state owned enterprise bank, agreed to acquire Bank Victoria Syariah, a sharia public bank, for $64m, according to press releases.

HSBC considers sale of Australian consumer banking operations. (Bloomberg)

HSBC is exploring strategic options for its consumer banking business in Australia, including a potential sale, as part of its efforts to streamline operations. This move aligns with the UK-based bank’s ongoing strategy to focus on core areas of its business while optimizing its global footprint.

Despite the potential divestment, HSBC is expected to retain its commercial banking operations in Australia, ensuring continued service for its global corporate clients. The consumer banking segment, which includes over 40 branches, offices, loan portfolios, and retail customers, is likely to draw interest from major local banks in Australia.

Historically, HSBC has worked with JP Morgan, Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright, according to MergerLinks data.

Ares in talks to buy Northstar Group. (DealStreetAsia)

Northstar Group, one of Southeast Asia’s longest-established private equity firms, is in discussions to sell its business to Ares Management.

This development underscores Ares Management’s ongoing expansion into Asia’s private equity market, leveraging Northstar’s deep regional expertise. Talks remain at an early stage.

Historically, Ares Management has worked with Goldman Sachs, Latham & Watkins and Brunswick Group, according to MergerLinks data.

Advent nears buying Ginko's Chinese business. (Bloomberg)

Private equity firm Advent International is reportedly close to a deal to acquire the Chinese operations of contact lens manufacturer Ginko International from EQT-owned BPEA. The transaction could value the unit at approximately $1.1bn.

Founded in 2007 and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 2009, Ginko International was acquired by BPEA in 2022. The pending sale reflects continued interest in China’s growing healthcare and consumer sectors.

Groww picks JP Morgan and Kotak for its IPO. (Bloomberg)

Groww, an India-based stock broker and trading platform, selected JP Morgan and Kotak Mahindra Bank for its potential Mumbai initial public offering.

The IPO is set to proceed with an IPO this year. The firm is looking to raise $750m, seeking a valuation of $7bn.

Dayao prepares for $500m Hong Kong IPO. (Bloomberg)

Chinese soda maker Dayao is reportedly preparing for a Hong Kong initial public offering in the second half of the year. The company is working with advisers to potentially raise up to $500m.

The IPO aligns with Hong Kong’s gradual recovery in new listings, reflecting renewed investor interest.

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