Done deals:

• Centrica Plc has acquired Solar Technologies for £2.8 million in cash as part of its plans to strengthen British Gas’ low carbon energy services
  
  
• Cobham Plc has expanded its US operations with the acquisition of M/A-COM’s components and microwave subsystems business for US$425 million (£235 million) in cash
  
  
• Two former colleagues at a Nottinghamshire-based serviced office company have returned to buy the business. Mark Proctor and Louise Patterson acquired Innovate Office from its receiver for an undisclosed sum and have re-named the company Icon Business Centres
   
• Yorkshire clothing business Salts has bought London company Norton & Townsend Bespoke Tailors from its administrator for an undisclosed sum
  
  
• Magnomatics, a magnetic gearbox maker, has raised £500,000 from Fusion IP and White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund
  
  
• Two law firms in Hampshire have merged to create Verisona. Dyer Burdett and Gray Purdue will join forces on 1 October
  
  
• Spice Plc has expanded its offering to social landlords, housing associations and local authorities after it bought Mono Services for £450,000 from Mavinwood
  
  In the pipeline:
  
  
• Spanish bank Banco Santander has agreed to buy Bradford & Bingley’s retail branches, agencies and deposits for £612 million
  
  
• Direct Connect International has agreed to pay US$1.65 million (£910,000) over the next three years for Vyke Communications’ traditional calling card business