Reckitt Benckiser flexing financial muscle; transformational deal likely in OTC healthcare

Company has been talking to lenders, testing the markets to see how much capital it can raise. by dealReporter

Private equity should be able to access debt markets to fund Motorola home-and-networking deal

Sources say debt markets have opened up for larger deals with better credit quality names. by dealReporter

Hershey, Ferrero bid faces significant hurdles in rivaling Kraft’s Cadbury bid

Sources skeptical that both controlling families would agree to significant increase in leverage. by dealReporter

KBC sets out large-scale divestment programme to EC

Proceeds will not be enough alone to repay EUR 7bn state aid. by dealReporter

Cadbury board met yesterday to discuss Kraft results

Anticipates bid Monday, people say. by dealReporter

Acquisition-related fundraising likely to drive corporate borrowers

Diageo, Vale Overseas, RGA, IBM, and Woodside Finance issue bonds. by dealReporter

Lloyds and Treasury APS agreement hoped for next week but situation still in flux

Cash call would need to be launched by end of next week to close by December. by dealReporter

Tyco International does not rule out large acquisitions

Will not put High-Grade ratings at risk, source says. by dealReporter

Taiwan DRAM consolidation effort losing steam

Little progress since Taiwan Memory Company created in March. by dealReporter

Tandberg courted bid for over a year

Ryanair could take control of Aer Lingus through a rights issue, CEO says

CARD Act delays credit card portfolio deals

Novartis CFO says no plans to acquire more Alcon shares

Santander in selling mood as bond buyback fails to make impact on balance sheet

Crackdown on deals seen at both FTC and DoJ as disparity between review styles begins to fade

Sino Gold/Eldorado: Precedent deals suggest China regulatory approval not necessary although MOFCOM could have different view

Weather/Orascom: Bondholder group has sufficient support to block tender offer on 21 September

Gome still trying to quell lender concerns over relationship with ex-chairman

Wells Fargo’s unique capital buffer plan hinges on high earnings

UK banks’ reluctance to clean up GBP 250bn commercial property exposure fuelling fears of continued lending freeze

National Express considering up to GBP 400m rights issue

Capital markets activity in 1H09 improves corporate liquidity

MOFCOM to release detailed provisions for anti-monopoly review shortly

Citigroup exchange offer could limit bank’s ability to raise new equity

Heritage Oil confident Baghdad will recognise KRG contracts in near to medium term

Kellogg cash strategy to turn toward equity holders in second half of 2009

Tata Motors eyes three-pronged strategy to reduce debt

Grainger’s largest shareholder urges a rights issue shortly

Rio Tinto: Chinalco deal breakers include equity stake below 15%

Pfizer/Wyeth animal health products divestiture in ‘normal course stages’

Stronger focus on fundamentals cools REIT rally, for now

3i shareholders back rights rights issue but question strategy

Covered bond legislation seen necessary to jump-start alternative program to TLGP

Macerich equity offering desired by institutional investors

New issue spread tightening to continue as credit markets appear back in favor

Severstal seeking sale of NorthAm assets to raise liquidity despite severe downturn in steel industry

REITs advised to recap in the equity market before rally is over

Cooper Companies seen as next logical contact lens target post AMO/Abbott deal

BT planning multi-billion pound bond issuance to reduce debt and address pension deficit

Pernod-Ricard viewed as likely convertible bond issuer after ArcelorMittal, bankers say

China’s rejection of Coke/Huiyuan believed to have short term effect on inbound deal flow

WPP ready to cut thousands from workforce as revenues expected to decline, CEO says

Allergan sweet spot for GSK as rumors abound of a possible bid

RBS Asian asset sales likely around two months away

China Huiyuan: Coca-Cola’s acquisition proposal could get MOC ruling this month

Top-tier credits visiting lenders farther in advance to ensure refinancing ability, even at higher rates

China Huiyuan Juice: Coca-Cola’s bid may be subject to approval by State Council

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance to strengthen presence in China, India

SSE could be eyed by Vattenfall if latter loses out in Nuon auction, sources say