Reuters reports the merger and acquisition deals of the day. (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported by 2000 GMT on Thursday: Two former top aides to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Thursday he should approve a $15.

The Financial Times reported last week that Centerbridge Credit Partners is returning $500 million to investors in its hedge fund and said depressed interest rates caused by the Fed's "easy money" policies are partly to blame.

Reuters reported this morning that Samsung Electronics filed a new lawsuit against Apple Inc. in a U.S. court, contending that the iPhone 5 infringed on its patents.

Longer product development times, pressures to reduce cost and improve value are making it harder for young companies to get venture capital funding.

Yesterday NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies hosted a private summit to discuss ways of attracting tech businesses to New York, and make sure that the US keeps its edge in tech innovation, amNew York reported today.

The Wall Street Journal reported today that the Chinese-owned Ralls Corp. will face an uphill battle against the Obama administration fighting the executive order blocking its purchase of four wind farms in Northern Oregon.

A quick rundown of the differences between venture capital and private equity. Not sure about the difference between venture capital and private equity? You're not alone.

For the first time in over 20 years, a US president has blocked a foreign investment, citing security concerns.

CIVETS, Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa, could outpace the BRICs in economic growth, presenting a potential gold mine for investors.

See how last-year's top 50 venture capital-backed start-ups,are faring one year later. Making The Wall Street Journal's list of top 50 venture capital-backed start-ups appears to be a good indicator of future health - at least for another year.

The Albuquerque start-up Incitor, Inc. attracted another $1 million in venture capital in September for its innovative conversion technology.

Business-product makers top WSJ's list of most successful venture capital-backed companies. For the third year, the Wall Street Journal has published a ranking of the most successful venture capital-backed companies.

The two main political parties in Greece are facing their own financial crisis. (Reuters) - The two main political parties in Greece are facing their own financial crisis.

Brent crude slipped below $110 per barrel on Wednesday, weighed down by worries that a fragile global economy could hit demand, although the risk of disruptions to supply from rising tensions between Iran and Western nations kept losses in check.

An investigation by New York's top prosecutor into whether a group of private equity firms used a fee arrangement to dodge taxes may be undermined by the state's own public pension fund.

Sidewinder Drilling Inc plans to buy Union Drilling Inc for $139 million. Sidewinder Drilling Inc, controlled by private equity firm Avista Capital Partners, plans to buy Union Drilling Inc for $139 million to tap into rising exploration and production activity in North American shale fields.

Swiss private bank EFG International (EFGN.S) will proceed with its planned initial public offering in Switzerland of its structured products business in the fourth quarter.

Bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals. The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1000 GMT on Tuesday:** A trio of state-run Indian oil companies has bid $5 billion for stakes in Canadian oil sands holdings owned by ConocoPhillips, two sources said, as the world's No.

Media-focused buyout firm Providence Equity Partners Inc has sold an under 10 percent stake in the company managing its funds to two institutional investors.

Life-sciences and health investing, long shunned by venture-capital investors, is making a comeback.

Two Asia buyout firms tap investors for up to $4.25 bln in funds. Two more Asia-based private equity firms have joined the fundraising bandwagon, seeking a combined $4.

Carlyle Group-backed Japanese ball-bearings maker Tsubaki Nakashima Co has called off an up to $555 million initial public offering.

A tiny solar company named SoloPower will flip the switch on production at a U.S. factory Thursday. A tiny solar company named SoloPower will flip the switch on production at a U.

News and developments in Asia private equity from Reuters News for the week ending September 21. News and developments in Asia private equity from Reuters News for the week ending September 21.

Stake sales have slowed Formula One IPO drive. Formula One cars will roar around Singapore's streets this weekend, but the prospect of the motor racing business floating on the stock market there this year has receded following stake sales by its main private equity backer.

Private equity group AXA Private Equity has raised more than 1 billion euros ($1.31 billion) to invest into infrastructure projects.

U.S. leveraged buyouts almost doubled in the third quarter of 2012 from a year ago. U. S. leveraged buyouts almost doubled in the third quarter of 2012 from a year ago, reaching their highest levels since before the financial crisis as cheap financing fueled private equity's appetite for deals.

Mergers under review by the European Commission and a brief guide to the EU merger process. The following are mergers under review by the European Commission and a brief guide to the EU merger process:APPROVALS AND WITHDRAWALS-- French insurer Euler Hermes and Spanish insurer Mapfre to set up a joint venture (approved Sept.

Private equity firm Carlyle (CG.O) is to take a minority stake in Penti. Private equity firm Carlyle (CG. O) is to take a minority stake in Penti, as Turkey's largest maker and retailer of lingerie and swim wear looks to expand internationally.

LifeLock Inc said it expects to sell 15.7 million shares for between $9.50 and $11.50 per share in an initial public offering.