November 9, 2009 (FinancialWire) — Mergers and Acquisitions news last week included Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (TSX: KFS) (NYSE: KFS), Markel Corp. (NYSE: MKL), Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEET) and others:

Energy Buys Majority Stake In Cut Bank Gas:  Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGAS) said that its Energy West subsidiary has completed the acquisition of around 83% of the outstanding shares of Cut Bank Gas Co., a natural gas utility serving Cut Bank, Montana. In December 2007, the company entered into a stock purchase agreement with shareholders of Cut Bank Gas… (continued at http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/06/energy-buys-majority-stake-in-cut-bank-gas/).

MasTec To Buy Precision Pipeline For $150 Million:   MasTec, Inc. (NYSE: MTZ) said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Precision Pipeline, LLC for $150 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments and an earnout. Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based Precision Pipeline is a natural gas, crude oil and refined products transmission pipeline infrastructure services provider in North America MasTec said… (continued at http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/04/mastec-to-buy-precision-pipeline-for-150-million/).

ClearOne Buys NetStreams:   Audio conferencing provider ClearOne (NASDAQ: CLRO) has acquired NetStreams, Inc., a firm that offers digital streaming media and control systems. Austin, Texas-based NetStreams offers digital media networks based on Internet Protocol technology that is used in a range of applications, including digital signage, corporate video distribution, network operations centers and government… (continued at http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/04/clearone-buys-netstreams/).

Live Nation Sells UK Theater Unit:   Live Nation (NYSE: LYV) has closed the sale of its UK theatrical venues and operations to The Ambassador Theatre Group. The company has also closed on the sale of its one-third interest in the Dominion Theatre in London to The Nederlander Group. The Ambassador Theatre Group is an owner and operator… (continued at http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/03/live-nation-sells-uk-theater-unit/).

Valeo Buys Out China JV Partner:  The Valeo Group (OTC: VLEEY) said it has increased to 100% its shareholding in an entity based in Changchun, China that develops and manufactures compressors. Valeo previously held a 60% stake, with joint venture partner Fawer holding the other 40%. The new company, which employs 130 people and produces compressors… (continued at http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/03/valeo-buys-out-china-jv-partner/).

Peet’s Coffee To Buy Diedrich Coffee:   Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEET) has agreed to acquire Diedrich Coffee, Inc. (NASDAQ: DDRX) in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $26 per share or a total value of around $213 million. According to Peet’s, the acquisition will allow Peet’s to enter the single cup coffee market… (continued at http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/03/peets-coffee-to-buy-diedrich-coffee/).

Markel Buys Panel Specialists:  Markel Corp. (NYSE: MKL) said that its Markel Ventures subsidiary had acquired Panel Specialists, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Texas-based Panel Specialists is a privately held firm that manufactures panels, wall systems, casework, furniture, and countertops and other stone-related products. Rickmond, Virginia-based Markel Corp. markets and underwrites specialty insurance… (continued at http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/02/markel-buys-panel-specialists/).

Kingsway Sells Zephyr Insurance:   Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (TSX: KFS) (NYSE: KFS) has closed the sale of Zephyr Insurance Co., Inc. for initial gross proceeds of $31.5 million U.S., plus a contingent, deferred earn-out amount. The buyers were Zephyr acquisition Co., an acquisition vehicle of Ocean Harbor Holding and MP Holdings, a Hawaiian-based investor group… (continued at  http://www.financialwire.net/2009/11/02/kingsway-sells-zephyr-insurance/).

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