Key facts
- London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has held talks about a possible bid for financial data provider Octus.
- Octus is owned by private equity firm Permira.
- Permira has been planning a sale of Octus since last year and has spoken with other potential buyers.
- Octus provides information on credit markets, particularly for companies in financial distress.
- LSEG is the largest customer of Reuters.
The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has held discussions with Octus and its private equity owner Permira about a potential bid for the financial data provider, according to people familiar with the matter.
Permira, based in London, is working with advisers to assess interest in Octus. The sources cautioned that there is no certainty a deal with LSEG will materialize. Permira has been planning to sell Octus since last year and has also engaged in talks with other potential industry buyers.
Octus specializes in providing information on credit markets, with a particular focus on companies experiencing financial distress. It employs journalists, analysts, and legal experts who leverage technology to analyze regulatory and court filings.