Report says international circus giant Cirque du soleil close to being sold

By The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press – Wed, 15 Apr, 2015

MONTREAL - A published report says U.S. private equity firm TPG Capital is close to completing a deal to take over Cirque du soleil, Quebec's famed circus company.

The Globe and Mail said Wednesday the deal likely involves Quebec's public pension fund manager, the Caisse de depot et placement, as well as a large Chinese investment fund.

Rumours have been circulating for several weeks that the Cirque's majority owner, Guy Laliberte, has been looking to sell all but 10 per cent of his shares in the company.

Earlier reports of a sale sparked consternation in Quebec political circles, with Premier Philippe Couillard issuing an appeal in late March to Laliberte to keep the company's head office in Montreal.