Endress+Hauser has acquired SpectraSensors, a Houston, Texas-based maker of laser-based gas analytical instruments. SpectraSensors had raised over $26 million in VC funding from American Power Ventures, Blueprint Ventures, Nth Power and CTTV Investments. No financial terms were disclosed but, according to a private communication sent to Blueprint Ventures investors, that firm’s stake was valued in excess of $13 million. www.spectrasensors.com
Falfurrias Capital Partners has agreed to sell its ownership stake in UC Synergetic Inc., a Charlotte, N.C.-based provider of energy and communications engineering, consulting and technical services, to a subsidiary of Pike Electric Corp. (NYSE: PIKE). No financial terms were disclosed.
Gaopeng, a Chinese daily deals site backed by Groupon and Tencent Holdings, has agreed to merge with rival FTuan, which also is backed by Tencent. No financial terms were disclosed. The combined company will maintain its separate brands.
Loral Space & Communications (Nasdaq: LORL) has agreed to sell its Space Systems/Loral satellite manufacturing subsidiary to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA) for $875 million.www.loral.com
Pamplona Capital Management has acquired a 5% stake in Italian bank UniCredit, which is valued at approximately €750 million.
ThyssenKrupp AG, a listed German steelmaker, has hired Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to explore strategic options for its North American plants. www.thyssenkrupp.com
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