First Data Corp., a credit card transaction processor, got the regulatory okay from the European Union to be acquired by private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. for about $27 billion in cash.

Once it was clear that there were no anti-trust problems, and hearing no complaints from rivals, the EU had no issue in granting permission.

This deal is just one of many such public company buyouts orchestrated by private equity groups.  The First Data deal ranks behind a proposed $32 billion-buyout of the Texas utility TXU Corp. by a group including KKR and Texas Pacific Group. If that deal is completed, it would be the largest private takeover of a public firm in U.S. corporate history.


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