Minter Ellison is advising private hospital and pathology services provider Healthscope on its much-publicised A$1.8bn takeover offer from an undisclosed private equity consortium, reportedly comprised of TPG, Carlyle and Blackstone.

Latest reports indicate that Healthscope will allow the bidding consortium to conduct due diligence on the company. The bid is sure to rekindle hopes of a private equity-fuelled M&A resurgence for the legal profession.  Meanwhile, the Australian Financial Review has reported that private equity giant Blackstone is poised to open its first Australian office in Sydney.

In other news, Clayton Utz is advising Wattyl on its takeover proposal from an undisclosed party and the Australian has reported that Corrs are advising Fosters  on its plans to demerge its beer and wine businesses.

Related story: Private equity ruling may open M&A floodgates