Bidding war for Cook’s Industries?

M&A WATCH- Are we seeing a bidding war for baking ingredients manufacturer Cook's Industries? There appears to a number of potential contenders to acquire Egyptian food manufacturer Cook’s Industries amid reports that the founding shareholders, the Paraskevas family, are interested in selling their entire stake. Emerging markets private equity giant Actis has reportedly begun conducting due diligence ahead of a possible bid, sources close to the matter tell Al Mal. Meanwhile, German food producer Dr. Oetker also expressed interest in buying Cook’s. CI Capital has been tapped by Dr. Oetker to advise on the acquisition, while we’re told that Arqaam Capital is advising on the sell-side.