Rumour roundup: Birds Eye, FCI, Orange and more

Bridgepoint is thought to be circling sports marketing provider Infront. The Swiss media firm focuses on sports broadcasts and holds the rights to the World Superbike Championship. As Bridgepoint already holds Dorna, a sports management specialist holding the commercial rights to MotoGP, concerns have been raised that the World Superbike Championship might face cuts to save costs.

Meanwhile Orange Switzerland, a division of France Telecom, is also up for sale. Apax, EQT and Providence are reported to have shown interest in the auction. Orange Switzerland is expected to fetch around £1.5bn.

The latest rumour follows news this week that Permira is planning to sell frozen food producer Birds Eye after a five-year holding period for £1.5bn.

Cinven is seeking buyers for Swedish tool distributor Ahlsell which is valued at more than €1.5bn. Bids were received from several rival private equity houses.

Bain Capital's portfolio company FCI, which is up for sale with a $1bn price tag, has drawn interest from AXA Private Equity, Blackstone, Carlyle and TPG.

On the primary market, ThyssenKrupp is preparing its nickel alloy unit for a sale, attracting the interest of a number of unnamed private equity houses.

Lastly, in Spain, Vista Capital de Expansión and Ibersuizas are looking to divest manufacturer of sanitary and hygienic products Indas.

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