Week in Review: WhatsApp, Farms, and 136%

Another surprise mega-deal this week as Facebook announced its $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp.

But, this is not just any other mega-deal. As Dan Primack wrote yesterday, “If completed… it would become the largest VC-backed M&A exit of all time. It also would be the largest Internet M&A deal since the AOL-Time Warner adventure, and the fifth-largest tech M&A deal ever.” Was the deal a strategically intelligent move by Zuckerberg? Or just another example of a valuation bubble?

In other news, there may be an ed-tech investment bubble.

Opinions:

• Half of US farmland being eyed by private equity
• Three mistakes to avoid when networking
• Small firms are chasing potential buyers
• How to acquire a small business — and keep employees happy
• Private equity funds bet $5 billion on shipping rebound
• Is there an ed-tech investment bubble?
• How to pitch a banker
• Is it too soon to call 2014 the year of mergers & acquisitions?
• Private equity investments in Africa are up 136% this year
• Joint debt and equity investment finds success in middle market

Transactions:

• Synopsys acquires Coverity for $375 million
• Rock Hill Capital Group invests in Park Energy Services
• CapX Parnters offers $7 million equipment lease to GTUIT
• Kavoo & ImagineAir merge to create largest air taxi service
• Wynchurch Capital sells Android Industries
•  Prospect Partners recaps Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Centers
• Five Point Capital invests $75 million in Redwood Midstream

Member Spotlight

Founded in 2004, Wheelock Partners is an operator-led, private investment firm focused on acquiring, managing, and growing existing New England manufacturing and service businesses. The firm prefers to invest in companies with $5-$50 million in recurring revenue and a differentiated product offering.

Wheelock Partners respects the legacy of a firm’s owner and the importance of preserving a firm’s culture. As a result, the firm prefers a long-term investment time horizon and works as hands-on operators to help build the business.

Photo from Twin Design / Shutterstock.com