VNU Nearing Sale Decision; Consortium Bids Around $9 Billion Cash

Updated, read below: VNU’s board is weighing a roughly $9 billion bid from a consortium of six private equity investors, a story that first broke on NYT’s enhanced DealBook. An announcement could come as early as Wednesday morning, when VNU releases its earnings. The bid of slightly more than 28.50 euros per share is up from a bid that met with less approval last month. The consortium includes AlpInvest Partners, the Blackstone Group, the Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Thomas H. Lee Partners.

Updated: Reuters is confirming the story. Analysts have said that investors may push VNU to break itself up instead of accepting a buyout offer. VNU said the consortium plans to keep the firm as an integrated company.

Related:Private Equity Consortium Bids Nearly $9 Billion For VNU

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