US private equity firms Hellman & Friedman and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts are poised to place a GBP6 billion bid for Experian, the credit checking arm of UK-based GUS, according to UK press reports.
GUS has recently begun de-merging its various businesses, with the company’s recent separation from its fashion label Burberry stimulating great interest in potential splits with its remaining businesses.
The two private equity groups have so far refused to offer comment on the proposed bid. However, analysts cited by the Daily Mail newspaper valued Experian value the firm at GBP5-8 billion, leading some in the City to suggest that a consortium of private equity players will be required to table a successful offer for the unit.
Experian is one of the UK’s largest consumer credit checking agencies.