Springer Science sale back on

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Germany could be home to another mega-buyout this year following news that EQT is in renewed talks with private equity investors over a potential sale of German publishing business Springer Science.

EQT is believed to be in talks with fellow GPs Carlyle, Providence, KKR and BC Partners over the sale of Springer Science, which is expected to fetch €3-4bn.

The GP reportedly pulled out of a sale in January this year after having appointed investment banks to solicit offers and identify IPO opportunities for the business on the Frankfurt stock exchange late last year.

If a deal was struck, Springer Science could beat Germany's latest mega-deal, CVC's €3.1bn reinvestment in metering company Ista, to claim the top spot in deal rankings in the country so far this year.

EQT acquired Springer Science from Candover and Cinven in 2009 in a buyout valued at €2.3bn. The deal also saw Singaporean sovereign wealth fund GIC invest for a minority stake. A financing package of €1bn was arranged and underwritten by Goldman Sachs International, Unicredit Group, Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank.