FountainVest, CPE Near $600M SML Buy for RFID Tech

Private equity firms FountainVest Partners and CPE are reportedly nearing a joint acquisition of SML Group Ltd., a provider of RFID and brand identification solutions. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the potential deal could value SML at over $600 million. The parties are currently in the process of finalizing the transaction details. Initially, FountainVest and CPE had pursued SML independently but have now consolidated their efforts for this potential acquisition. This joint bid has reportedly surpassed competing offers from other private equity firms.