Investment funds BLACKSTONE and PAI PARTNERS have acquired UK company UNITED BISCUITS (£1.3 bn turnover in 2005) for £1.6 bn, including debt. PAI PARTNERS increased its stake in UB from 40% to 50%, while BLACKSTONE bought up the remaining 50%. In addition, PAI PARTNERS is aiming to sell off VIVARTE for between EUR 2.4 and 3 bn.