DealZone

Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing has agreed to buy British utility Northumbrian Water Group for $3.9 billion in the biggest takeover this year of a British-listed company. Analysts at UBS predicted Li would seize other acquisition opportunities as cash-strapped investors and governments seek to cut their debt piles by selling infrastructure assets.

Japan’s Kirin is buying a controlling stake in major Brazilian beer and soft drinks maker Schincariol for $2.6 billion, making its first foray in the fast-growing South American economy.

Spain’s listing of its state lottery, expected to raise at least $10 billion and rival Glencore as the biggest listing of the year, is targeted for a market debut around October 20, sources close to the deal said.

European regulators likely will not try to “make or break” Deutsche Boerse AG’s $9 billion merger with NYSE Euronext, NYSE Chief Executive Duncan Niederauer said.

Talbots Inc adopted a poison pill to deter potential hostile takeovers, a day after a private equity firm reported a large stake in the troubled women’s clothing retailer.