DealZone

Pubs operator Mitchells & Butlers will ask Britain’s takeover watchdog to rule whether rebel shareholders are attempting to gain control of the group after they blocked the appointment of a chairman.

Piedmont, an investment vehicle owned by billionaire Joe Lewis that owns 23 percent of M&B, obstructed the appointment of an independent chairman and vetoed three candidates at the final stage despite being involved in the hiring process from its beginning.

In other M&A and corporate finance news reported by Reuters and other media:

Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp (BAIC) might still be interested in buying General Motors’ Saab unit, the Chinese car company’s general manager says. “I would just say, ‘stay tuned a little bit’,” he says.

Honiton Energy Group has hired Morgan Stanley to help the China-focused wind power developer lure a new investor, in a deal that could value the entire company at up to $250 million, two people familiar with the details say.

Deutsche Boerse says it will not increase its bid for a controlling stake in the Warsaw Boerse after the Polish government requested an improved offer for the exchange.

The recent history of Britain’s eccentrically-named Slug & Lettuce pubs should make a sobering read for ambitious property investors with an eye on similar investments.

The chain’s woes began in 2005, when its then owner, the SFI Group, plunged into administration due to difficulties with its finances.

Its collapse triggered property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz to buy up the group’s best outlets and bring them into his Laurel Pub Company.