Gavilon, an US-based provider of merchandising and distribution for agriculture and energy resources, has reportedly received takeover interest that could value the company at about $5bn. Newswire Reuters said suitors included Japan-based groups Mitsui, Marubeni Corp and Noble Group.
Gavilon shareholders include Egypt-based industrial conglomerate Orascom Construction Industries, which said it owns 16.8%, and private equity firms General Atlantic, Ospraie Advisors and Soros Fund Management. Agriculture company ConAgra Foods also received a warrant exercisable for about 5% of Gavilon after selling the business in a $2.8bn leveraged buyout in 2008.