((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
(Ipsos and Audi are added to the list)
The following deals, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures were reported as of 9:00 p.m. GMT Friday:
** French market research group Ipsos ISOS.PA is preparing a firm offer to buy the TV audience data business of market research group Kantar, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
** Qatar is buying a significant minority stake in Audi’s Formula One team, the Gulf country’s $510 billion sovereign wealth fund and the German carmaker said.
** India’s Aster DM Healthcare ATRD.NS will merge with Blackstone-backed hospital operator Quality Care India, the companies said, bringing Aster closer to larger rivals Apollo Hospitals and Manipal Hospitals.
** Automotive components supplier TI Fluid TIFS.L has agreed to a 1.04 billion pound ($1.32 billion) buyout by Canada’s ABC Technologies, expanding the combined group’s reach into the Americas, Europe and Asia, said the British company.
** The group announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement to buy Giant Cement Holding and its subsidiaries for $600 million, the latest acquisition by the German cement manufacturer to expand its presence in the United States.
** Reliance Industries RELI.NS bought a 21% stake in U.S. helium production company Wavetech Helium for $12 million, the conglomerate said on Thursday, aiming to expand its low-energy segment carbon content.
** Macquarie MQG.AX has offered to buy waste management company Renewi RWI.L for 700.9 million pounds ($886.8 million), the companies said on Thursday, more than a year after the first attempt by the asset manager to take control of the British company.
** US investment group Fortress Investment Group will buy British coffee bar and restaurant chain Loungers LGRS.L for an enterprise value of around 350.5 million pounds ($443.6 million), the two companies said Thursday.
