Private equity giant Blackstone Group filed for a $4 billion IPO that would put a provide the company with new sources of permanent capital. While the firm hasn't yet disclosed ow many shares will become available or provide an estimated price range, they did say that public shareholders would have limited voting rights and will not elect the general partner or its directors. The hedge fund would be the second hedge fund ever to go through with an initial public offering.
Avery Dennison Corp (AVY) signed a definitive merger agreementw tith label and tag company Paxar Corp (PXR) for $30.50 per share in a transaction worth about $1.34 billion.
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) acquired the privately held retailer buybuy BABY for about $67 million, net cash acquired, and repayment of debt of about $19 million. The company said that the acquisition allows it to provide merchandise to expectant parents and their friends, who are part of its current consumer base.
Activision Inc. (ATVI) said it has signed a multi-year agreement granting the company exclusive worldwide rights to develop and distribute video games on all platforms based on Live Nation's (LYV) Monster Jam Series. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the first game in the series is expected to be available at retail stores this holiday season.
Capital City Bank Group Inc. (CCBG) said it has approved an additional buyback of up to 1 million shares.
IHS Inc. (IHS) said an existing shareholder has begun a secordary offering of 3.75 million shares; however, the company said it would not receive any proceeds from the offering.
Sauer-Danfoss Inc. (SHS) said it would be raising its quarterly dividend by 13% to 18 cents a share. The new dividend is payable to shareholders on record by April 2nd.
Pozen Inc. (POZN) said its amended reponse to an approvable letter for its migraine treatment Trexima has been accepted for review by the FDA. Pozen also said that the FDA notified the company that it expects a Class II review, which could result in a new deciison date of August 1, 2007. If approved, the drug could be available as soon as the second half of 2007.