Two equity groups may bid for VNU

Article Abstract:

VNU N.V. of the Netherlands is facing pressure from hedge-fund investors confronting the company's financial performance. The publishing industry giant is being considered for a merger by two consortiums. If the acquisition goes through it could indicate a trend in public companies turning into private equity businesses.

Netherlands, Investor relations, The Nielsen Co. (Haarlem, Netherlands)

---

WH Smith sells Hodder unit to Hachette for $405.8 million

Article Abstract:

Following a failed takeover attempt by private equity group Permira, W.H. Smith Group PLC has agreed to sell its publishing unit Hodder Headline Ltd. to Hachette Livre S.A. 207 million pounds from the proceeds of the sale will be distributed to shareholders.

France, Securities issued, listed, Parent-to-subsidiary activities, Subsidiary-to-parent activities, Securities, Company securities, Company financing, Hachette S.A., Subsidiaries, divisions and units, Hodder Headline Ltd.

---

WH Smith PLC

Article Abstract:

WH Smith PLC forecasted lower than anticipated profits for the 2003 full year. The company blamed the forecast on the war in Iraq, the SARS virus outbreak, and hot summer weather.

Sales, profits & dividends, Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Forecasts and trends, Market trend/market analysis, Company sales and earnings, Company earnings/profit

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: From tragedy comes a chance for Pakistan. Security failure
• Abstracts: Quota auctions stay - for now. Hake catching upturn - but TAC will fall. Eight-month study starts to provide: ten-year strategy for Indonesia
• Abstracts: Morgan Stanley profit falls 24% amid broad slump in its business. Amid tumult in health care, a banker carves a rich niche: UBS's Benjamin Lorello excels at getting deals done, but some later fall flat: blowback From HealthSouth
• Abstracts: Holder vote at U.K. lender complicates sale efforts. Olivant keeps door open for move on Northern Rock. U.K. mortgages feature new twists: first-time home buyers are offered array of plans to increase size of loans
• Abstracts: Forex: now it's a $1.9 trillion market. Currency markets draw new players. More banks are asking rivals to handle currency trading

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.