Done deals:

• Temperature control systems supplier Rapid Climate Control has undergone a management buy-out

• Plastics engineering company Thompson Plastics has been acquired by its management

• Fresh food business Country Fresh Produce has bought a fresh herb supplier D Laurie & Sons, boosting its turnover to some £6 million

• G4S plc, an international security group, has purchased 85 per cent of a Serbian-based rival, Progard Securitas, with a turnover last year of €15.5 million (£12.4 million)

Deals in the pipeline:

• Entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter’s West Coast Capital has agreed to sell his 29.2 per cent stake in Dobbies garden centre chain for £36.3 million

• Management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company Accenture is set to acquire Brazilian IT and automation services provider ATAN