Firms Vie for UK Venture

摘要

Cash-strapped private equity group 3i could be forced to sell its 5.4% stake in Venture Production, the UK North Sea specialist being pursued by UK utility Centrica. The move could trigger a bid for all of London-listed Venture, which is now valued at more than ￡1 billion ($1.4 billion). 3i, Venture's biggest shareholder after Centrica, said Monday it is looking at a range of financing options, including plans to issue new equity and raise cash from disposals.