Equity "research" on, er, little old Betaville

I see JP Morgan has decided to dedicate a piece of equity "research" to little old Betaville and the stories I have published following my tale from earlier in the week on Mead Johnson.

Whilst I'm flattered that I have caught the attention of one of the world's most powerful investment banks, I have to say the analysts' "research" about me and my stories is somewhat piss poor.

RARE ALERT: Fagron said to have drawn interest from Cinven et al

I've been in two minds about writing on the Fagron auction. That's because there have been a lot of unsubstantiated (and possibly false) rumours going around the European markets in the last couple of weeks and as a result the stock has been volatile.

For readers unfamiliar with Fagron, it's a listed Belgian company that provides ingredients for pharmacies and hospitals. The business said last month that it had hired JP Morgan to carry out a strategic review after receiving several takeover approaches.

RARE ALERT: Barclays could name CFO as new boss

Most of the London market is likely to be transfixed on the Budget.

However, over here in Betavilleland we like to get on with teasing out corporate stories while the Government overloads the financial reporting community with a ton of news.

RARE ALERT: Sonova Holding AG said to be working with M&A bankers to examine 'strategic options'; could lead to sale

In case you hadn't noticed, there is a pharmaceutical/healthcare dealmaking frenzy at the moment.

And the latest tale doing the rounds is about a Swiss hearing aid manufacturer Sonova, whose market capitalisation currently stands at CHF 10 billion (circa £7 billion).

Permira, Bridgepoint said to weigh £500 million bids for Big Bus Tours - part 2

In case you are following the Big Bus Tours auction in detail, I hear from good sources four bidders have been shortlisted to participate in the sale process.

Those bidders are private equity firms Permira, Bridgepoint, Advent International and Canadian pension fund Omers.

Office weighs £300m float for 2015 - or will Ashley step back in

Remember that bizarre statement that Mike Ashley's Sports Direct put out a few weeks ago regarding shoe retailer Office?

In case you don't, here is a link a to it: http://www.investegate.co.uk/sports-direct-intl---spd-/rns/trade-speculation---office/201406300700158347K/.