Done deals:
- Specialist distribution group Diploma has snapped up 75% in AMT Vantage holdings, a Canadian-based distributor of electro-surgery and endoscopy equipment, for £14 million
- Steam Valves and boiler mountings manufacturer Taylor Shaw has gone into administration
- Swinton Insurance has acquired Rockford Insurance Brokers for an undisclosed sum to build on its risk assessment service in commercial business and motor trade insurance
- Icelandic food group Bakkovor has bought vegetable supplier Exotic Farm Produce for undisclosed terms
- US-based Henry Schein has bought W&J Dunlop for undisclosed terms, adding to its medical, dental and veterinary supplies operation
- Steel brackets factory PL Williamson has gone into administration through Geoffrey Martin & Co
- Claimar Care has completed its 11th deal since floating on AIM last year, acquiring Lynks Care for £500,000, bolstering its domiciliary care service
- Marketing services group Motivcom has acquired incentive travel and conference facilities provider Motivation Travel Management for an initial £900,000
- Belfast-based electrical engineering business Scott ElectroMech has gone into administration through Ernst & Young
- US media and entertainment group NBC Universal has acquired Sparrowhawk Media, the broadcast group that owns the Hallmark TV channel, for £175 million
- Dawson Holdings has acquired marketing fulfilment services firm Marketing Communications for £6 million
- Avon Group Manufacturing has bought PP Injection Mould & Mouldings for an undisclosed figure
- Logistics firm PB Logistics has been purchased by rival IDS Group of Hong Kong for £11 million
- East Lancashire Coachbuilders and North West Bus & Coach Repairs have been bought out of administration by newly formed transport group Darwen, saving 360 jobs
Deals in the pipeline:
- AESSEAL is to invest £7 million in the expansion of its mechanical seals technology centre at Bradmarsh Industrial Park in Rotherham
- Sills & Betteridge is to merge with Walkers Rainey & Owen to create a combined law firm with about 130 staff
- Motor group HR Owen is looking to sell about six of its BMW car dealerships
- Restaurant operator Tragus Group is considering a £500 million float on AIM early next year
