Just two contenders are left in the battle for Cadbury Schweppes drinks arm.
Although about a dozen bidders initially expressed interest, only two private equity consortia are expected to submit second round bids. One is made up of Blackstone, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Lion Capital; the other is composed of Bain Capital, Texas Pacific Group and Thomas H. Lee.
Canada’s Cott Group, India’s Tata Group and Coca-Cola were also interested but are thought to be having problems finding a way to participate in the auction.
Financial Times 14/7/07 page 14 (Companies & Markets)