As the contest for Lion Drinks and Dairy nears a conclusion this week, market experts believe that Bega Cheese is likely to emerge as the frontrunner to buy the business.
Final bids for the Lion assets are due in the coming days, with Bega, Tanarra Capital and Saputo all in the competition.
Should Bega acquire the $500m-odd business it is likely to launch an equity raising.
The business includes Big M flavoured milk, Berri fruit juices and Pura brand fresh milk.
Bega has always counted Kidder Williams as its close adviser, while Bell Potter has worked on equity raisings for the business in the past.
Deutsche Bank is working on the sale for Japanese owner Kirin.
Meanwhile, some suspect a sale of Australian food company Manassen Foods Australia could soon be on the cards. The company behind food brands such as Sunbeam, Oxo, McVite’s, Ocean Blue and Carr’s has been earmarked for a listing by its owner Bright Food in Hong Kong. Manassen bought the business in 2011, valuing it at around $US500m.
Anglo ready to announce winner of coal mine auction
A decision by Anglo American about its Queensland-based coal assets is believed imminent, a week on from when final bids were due.
KKR seeks to offload Colonial First State stake
KKR is understood to be creating a data room for at least one prospective trade buyer to consider the $3bn-plus wealth management business, Colonial First State.