KKR Eyes Stake in Eni's Biofuel Arm, Informa Nears Ascential Acquisition

KKR is in talks to acquire up to 25% in Eni's biofuel business, potentially valuing it at up to 12.5 billion euros. Informa is close to buying Cannes Lions owner Ascential for over 1.1 billion pounds. The FCA seeks $700mn in BlueCrest Capital redress, the BBC plans 500 job cuts, and Meta warns about EU AI regulations.

KKR is in advanced negotiations to purchase a significant stake of up to 25% in the biofuel division of Italian energy company Eni, which could value the business at between 11.5 billion euros and 12.5 billion euros, inclusive of debt.

UK events group Informa is nearing a deal to acquire its rival Ascential, the owner of Cannes Lions, for more than 1.1 billion pounds.

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority is in the Court of Appeal to challenge a $700 million redress scheme it aims to impose on billionaire Michael Platt's BlueCrest Capital due to allegations of reckless conduct.

Meanwhile, the BBC is planning to cut 500 jobs as it continues efforts to save costs following a decade-long real-term decline in funding from the licence fee.

Meta has cautioned that the European Union's regulatory approach to artificial intelligence could hinder the continent's access to advanced AI services and ongoing Big Tech regulation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)