Reuters - Deals Today

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Monday, October 23, 2017

Cisco nears deal to acquire BroadSoft: source

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Cisco Systems Inc , the world’s largest networking gear manufacturer, is nearing a deal to buy U.S. telecommunications software firm BroadSoft Inc for close to $2 billion, a person familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

Noble Group to sell oil liquids unit to Vitol, flags $1.2 billion loss

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Struggling commodities trader Noble Group agreed to sell its Americas-focused oil trading business to Vitol for about $580 million as part of a debt-cutting strategy, and warned of a big loss for its third quarter.

Hartford to buy Aetna U.S. life and disability unit for $1.45 billion

(Reuters) - Property and casualty insurer Hartford Financial said it would buy health insurer Aetna Inc's U.S. group life and disability unit for $1.45 billion in cash to boost its insurance portfolio and build out its digital technology platform.

Blackstone, KKR, others shortlisted for Link REIT's $2 billion Hong Kong assets: sources

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI (REUTERS) - Blackstone , KKR and some Chinese investors are among potential bidders shortlisted by Link Real Estate Investment Trust to buy some of its Hong Kong retail assets valued at about $2 billion, three sources said.

Germany's Linde cuts threshold for $80 billion Praxair deal

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's Linde has cut the approval level and extended the acceptance period for its $80 billion tie-up with Praxair which will create an industrial gases leader.

Engie confirms looking for a partner for its LNG business

SINGAPORE/PARIS (Reuters) - Engie is seeking a partner for its liquefied natural gas (LNG) division, the French utility said on Monday, after one publication reported that Total might buy the business.

Potlatch to buy Deltic Timber in all-stock deal

(Reuters) - U.S. forest products company Potlatch Corp confirmed on Monday it would buy smaller peer Deltic Timber Corp in an all-stock transaction.

Armani plans transfer of stake in fashion firm to his foundation

MILAN (Reuters) - Giorgio Armani's succession plans include a transfer of part of his high-end fashion empire to his charitable foundation in a bid to prevent any takeovers or a break-up of the group, the designer told a newspaper.

Britain's Spire rejects 1.2 billion pound Mediclinic offer, shares soar

(Reuters) - Britain's Spire Healthcare has rejected a full takeover offer from South African private hospitals operator Mediclinic International , which already owns nearly 30 percent of its stock, sending its shares up 12 percent.

Engie seeks better offers for Australian coal-fired power plant: bidder

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - France's Engie SA has pressed for higher bids for its Loy Yang B coal-fired power plant in Australia following the release of a national energy security plan that encourages the use of coal, one of the bidders said on Monday.