Sponsor-to-Sponsor

ABN Amro Capital has agreed to acquire Amtico International, a U.K.–based designer and manufacturer of high-end flooring, from Electra Private Equity. The deal values Amtico at approximately Gbp98.25 million, with ABN Amro holding a 56% stake, Electra retaining an 18% stake and company management holding the remainder. Royal Bank of Scotland will provide leverage for the transaction, which is expected to close within a month.

Avista Capital Partners has acquired a 50% stake in Thompson Publishing Holding Co. from DLJ Growth Capital Partners for approximately $65 million. Thompson Publishing is a Washington, D.C.-based publisher of information on complex laws and regulatory mandates.

Francisco Partners has agreed to acquire The Ex Libris Group, an Israel-based provider of applications for libraries and information centers. No financial terms were disclosed. Ex Libris had raised around $4 million in VC funding from firms like Halden Israel and Tamar Ventures.

Lone Star Funds has agreed to sell Nashville, Tenn.-based casual dining chain Shoney’s Restaurants to Centrum Equities for an undisclosed amount. The deal is expected to close in December.

Permira has acquired All3Media (f.k.a. Chrysalis TV), a U.K.-based independent producer of television programming, from Bridgepoint for £320 million. Company management also participated. Bridgepoint led a £45 management buyout of All3Media in July 2003.

Sun Capital Partners has acquired POP Displays Inc. (f.k.a. Diam USA) from Heritage Partners for an undisclosed amount. POP Displays is a Yonkers, N.Y.–based maker of point-of-purchase display systems for consumer retailers. The sellers were advised by Downer & Co.

TH Lee Putnam Ventures and Freeman Spogli & Co. are nearing a sale of product warranty provider N.E.W. Customer Services Cos. for up to $1.2 billion, according to reports. Berkshire Partners is the leading bidder, with other potential buyers including Warburg Pincus, Kelso & Co. and CVC Capital Partners. Credit Suisse is running the auction.

Vista Capital reportedly has acquired a 35% stake in Spanish tourism company Iberostar from The Carlyle Group. Carlyle will retain a 60% stake, with company management holding the remainder.

Wafra Partners has bought two cabinet makers from Dyad Partners: Custom Wood Products of Roanoke, Va. and Rich Maid Kabinetry of Myerstown, Pennsylvania. No financial terms were disclosed.