Lenders to Almatis, the alumina business owned by Dubai International Capital, have agreed a deal to take control of the company.

Elio Leoni-Sceti, the chief executive of EMI, has left the Terra Firma-owned recording business after just 18 months in charge. Leoni-Sceti was brought in by Terra Firma to lead a rescue plan for the indebted group.

Blackstone-owned theme park operator Merlin Entertainments, which last month put plans for a flotation on hold, is still considering the option.

Card Factory, the greeting card retail chain based in West Yorkshire, has attracted a number of bids from private equity firms, valuing the business at up to £400m (€441m).

Kabel Deutschland, the German cable company owned by Providence Equity Partners, plans to brave the public markets with a €700m share issue.

Carlyle, Apax, General Atlantic and BC Partners have all shown an interest in buying Kroll, the corporate investigations division that has been put up for sale by insurance broker Marsh & McLennan for $1.3bn (€954m).

The Carlyle Group has terminated its interest in acquiring Shanks, precipitating a sharp fall in the UK waste management group's share price.

Advent International has appointed Robert Brown as a managing director and global head of limited partner services.

Deutsche Bank and Lloyds, the lenders that took control of food packaging business Linpac from Montagu Private Equity last year, are planning to break up the business and sell it on.

Gruppo Coin, the Italian department store owned by PAI Partners, plans to boost revenues by a third to €2bn within three years, after taking over rival Upim for €100m.