Blackstone closes in on $2.5 billion deal to buy software developer Civica

Black stone is in advanced talks to buy Civica in a deal valuing the British software developer at close to $2.5 billion including debt, according to people familiar with the matter.

The merger, if completed, could be announced as soon as Wednesday. It will mark Blackstone’s latest bet in the UK following its recent purchase of two hotels – one in Birmingham and another outside Edinburgh – and a project to build affordable housing across the UK