The private equity backer of Six Nations Rugby has approached Britain’s biggest serviced offices provider about a £1.5bn deal that could trigger a broader break-up of the group.

It is understoodt that CVC Capital Partners is among a number of buyout firms which have approached IWG, the FTSE-250 company previously known as Regus, about acquiring The Instant Group, its digital arm.

Banking sources said that Tim Rodber, The Instant Group’s chief executive, had been marketing the business to a number of private equity firms in recent weeks following a string of unsolicited approaches.

Wells Fargo is said to have been hired to advise IWG on the potential disposal.

If a deal materialised at a valuation of around £1.5bn, that would be larger than the current market value of IWG, which has seen its shares more than halve during the last 12 months.

That slump reflects investors’ concerns about demand for offices during an economic downturn, and IWG’s bigger-than-expected half-year loss of £70m, which was announced in August.

IWG competes with the likes of WeWork, the New York-listed company.

Mark Dixon, the architect of IWG’s growth into what it describes as the world’s largest provider of hybrid workspace, has been contemplating options for taking the company private or breaking it up for years.

Its component parts include Signature, a premium city centre brand, Regus and Basepoint, which operates across England and Wales.

In March, IWG announced that it would merge its digital and technology assets with The Instant Group as part of a transaction which saw the London-listed group injecting £270m of cash into the combined entity.

In a trading update last week, IWG said the “integration of IWG’s digital assets with the Instant platform is progressing as planned and we are seeing the EBITDA [earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation] benefits of this coming through as expected”.

It was unclear on Monday how advanced the talks with CVC and other private equity suitors for The Instant Group were.

In total, IWG trades from more than 3,300 locations in 120 countries.

Mr Dixon is said to believe that the company is severely undervalued by public market investors, and has considered deals including a combination with a US-listed special purpose acquisition company for Worka, an app that helps IWG clients to compare and book places to work at thousands of sites globally.

On Monday morning, IWG shares were trading at around 137.3p, giving the company a market capitalisation of £1.35bn.

Last year, IWG held tentative talks with CC Capital, a New York-based private equity firm, about a sale of part or all of the company.

In recent years, IWG has adopted a franchise model which has seen it sell assets in countries including Japan and license its brands to new operators.

Mr Dixon is IWG’s single-largest shareholder, and discussed taking the group private in 2019 when he held talks with Lone Star Funds, Starwood Capital, TDR Capital and Terra Firma Capital Partners.

Earlier that year, IWG rejected a takeover bid from Brookfield Asset Management and Onex which valued the company at 280p-a-share.

Kashmiri blue sapphire is the world’s most expensive gemstone known for its exquisite color and clarity, making it a popular choice among jewelry lovers all over the world.

It is a rare variety of corundum, or natural aluminum oxide. The stone is mined exclusively in the Indian Himalayas and other areas of India, where it has been known for centuries as “Kashmiri sapphire.”

These sapphires look amazing when paired with other gemstones and metals, either alone or in combination. Here are ways in which you can wear Kashmir sapphire:

As an Engagement Ring or Wedding Band

When it comes to engagement rings, the Kashmiri sapphire is one of the most popular choices. The stone has been used in engagement rings for centuries and continues to be a go-to option for modern couples. You can choose from different shapes and sizes depending on your preferences and budget. It symbolizes love and loyalty since ancient times.

The stone is also believed to bring good luck in marriage, so if you want your relationship with your partner to last forever, then wearing one of these rings will help. The ring can be set in any metal, but white gold is the most popular choice. The stone is often worn as a solitaire and paired with other gemstones like diamonds, emeralds and rubies.

These sapphires are also known for their symbolism of love, loyalty and fidelity, making them one of the most popular anniversary gifts for couples celebrating their first, fifth or even 50th anniversaries.

A Pendant Necklace

Stunning pendants are a great way to show off your love for this beautiful gemstone. The necklace is often made out of silver or gold, and the stone can be set in any shape—oval, heart-shaped or round. The pendant can be worn solo or paired with other types of jewelry like earrings or rings. You can find beautiful designs at stores like GemPundit at affordable rates. Explore your options before you buy certified Kashmir sapphire jewelry.

The most popular pendant is the heart-shaped sapphire, which will make any woman feel loved and cherished. The stone can be set in a silver or gold frame, and you may also want to include an engraving on the back or even your anniversary date.

A Pair of Sapphire Earrings

Earrings are a classic piece of jewelry that every woman should have in her collection. Sapphire earrings are no exception, and they can make a beautiful gift for your loved one. You can get studs or dangling styles, depending on how much of the stone you want to show off.

The most common type of earrings are studs, which are small and discreet. You can get a pair of these in silver or gold with a single sapphire or two stones in an alternating pattern. Dangling styles have more drama and will draw attention to your face, especially when worn with other pieces like a necklace or bracelet.

You can buy Kashmir sapphire earrings from a variety of different cuts depending on what you like best—round cut, princess cut or square cut. The setting will be either silver or gold, and the stone can be set in any size between 0.5 carats to 1 carat.

As a Sapphire Bracelet

A sapphire bracelet is a classic and elegant piece that would look beautiful on anyone’s wrist. You can get one in silver or gold with either square or round-cut stones depending on your preference. Some bracelets have just one stone while others have several stones set together in a row.

The type of bracelet you choose will depend on what kind of look you want to achieve. If you’re going for something that is casual and understated, a simple chain bracelet will work well. You can also go for a multi-strand or beaded bracelet if you want something more ornate.

And if you are looking for a more formal look, a cuff bracelet is the way to go. It will add some sophistication to any outfit and make you feel like a million bucks.

A Sapphire Cocktail Ring

A cocktail ring is a combination of diamonds and sapphire. It’s a perfect piece to wear with your everyday outfits. A cocktail ring is a combination of diamonds and sapphire. It’s a perfect piece to wear with your everyday outfits.

The color of the gemstone can range from light blue to dark blue, depending on the type of stone used. A cocktail ring can be worn on any finger but is most often worn on the middle finger or index finger.

These are some amazing ways to wear and flaunt Kashmir blue sapphires. But you need to buy a certified Kashmir sapphire that is free of any treatments. If you are looking for an elegant sapphire ring to wear with your evening gowns, here are some tips to choose the right one.

Choose the Right Metal

You can try on different types of jewelry made from different metal to see which one you like best. Platinum and silver have a bright, cool appearance that makes them look modern and elegant. Gold jewelry has a warm, rich color that gives it an antique look.

If you’re looking for a Kashmir sapphire for sale that will go with any outfit, choose a ring or necklace in white gold or platinum.

Check the Origin

When purchasing Kashmir blue sapphire, it is important that you check the origin and from where it is sourced. To avoid any confusion, ensure that you ask for lab certificate at the time of purchase. This can also help you ascertain whether they are real or fake.

Scrutinize the Reliability of Seller

You want to make sure that the online shop you’re purchasing from is reputable and trustworthy, so check out their reviews on sites. Before purchasing anything from an individual, find out what their policies are for returns and exchanges by reading the listing carefully or contacting them directly via toll-free numbers.

Conclusion

With the right knowledge, you can now make a more informed decision when buying Kashmiri blue sapphires. So, if you want to buy a ring or pendant, then choose one from a trusted seller who can provide information about its authenticity.

Investors are looking forward to the Chinese market reopening after the zero-Covid lockdown, the world’s largest fund manager says

International investment bankers are bullish about the Chinese economy despite worrying reports by the Western media, the chairman of UBS Bank, Colm Kelleher, said on Wednesday.

Kelleher was speaking at the Global Financial Leaders Investment Summit in Hong Kong, which brought together more than 200 bankers and investors from 20 countries, after more than two and a half years of Covid restrictions there. Hong Kong is now reportedly seeking to boost its status as an international financial hub.

“We’re not reading the American press, we actually buy the [China] story,” he said, as quoted by the Financial Times. “But it is a bit of waiting for zero-Covid to open up in China to see what will happen.”

According to the FT, Kelleher’s reference to the media was “an apparent joke and a nod” to earlier remarks made by Fang Xinghai, the vice chair of the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

Fang, along with other Chinese officials, used pre-recorded video interviews to reassure international investors of the country’s economic strength. He told attendees: “I would advise international investors to find out what’s really going on in China and what’s the real intention of our government by themselves. Don’t read too much of the international media.”

Fang’s comments, which came after a record sell-off of Chinese equities last week in the wake of President Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power, prompted laughs and applause from the audience. “Don’t bet against China and Hong Kong,” he added.

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Last week, the Chinese stock market had its worst day since the 2008 global financial crisis, with the yuan hitting a new 14-year low against the US dollar, as Xi secured his third term and undertook a major leadership reshuffle.

The sharp selloff was triggered by concerns that a number of senior officials who have backed market reforms and opening up the economy were missing from the new top team. This sparked investor concerns about the future direction of the country and its relations with the US.