United Biscuits talks crumble

Talks to sell the maker of Hula Hoops crisps and Carr’s water biscuits to a Chinese food and dairy group have stalled, according to sources close to the discussions.
United Biscuits has been controlled by private equity majors PAI Partners and Blackstone Group for four years, and both want to recoup more than the £1.6 billion (€1.84bn) they paid for the snack maker in 2006.
Shanghai-based Bright Food Group’s name was in the frame but talks have apparently stalled, with the prospective buyer reportedly reluctant to meet the £2 billion (2.3bn) price tag.