Benzinga's M&A Chatter for Thursday August 30, 2012

The following are the M&A deals, rumors and chatter circulating on Wall Street for Thursday August 30, 2012:

Hearing Chatter Cree Has Hired Goldman Sachs as Adviser

The Rumor:
Cree (NASDAQ: CREE) has hired Goldman Sachs as an adviser to explore strategic alternatives, according to sources. Cree has been mentioned frequently as a takeover target, most recently in June. Siemens (NYSE: SI) was the rumored buyer at the time, with a reported offer of $35.50.

A spokesperson for Cree was not aware of today's rumor.

Cree closed at $28.01 Thursday, a loss of 0.95% on lower than average volume.

Carlyle Group to Buy DuPont Performance Coatings Business for $4.9B

The Deal:
The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) and DuPont (NYSE: DD) announced Thursday that they have signed a definitive agreement whereby Carlyle will purchase DuPont Performance Coatings for $4.9 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2013, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

DuPont closed at $49.58 Thursday, a loss of 0.72% on average volume.

Gleacher & Company Announces Exploration of Strategic Alternatives

The Announcement:
Gleacher & Company (NASDAQ: GLCH) announced Thursday that it has retained a financial advisor to assist it in exploring and evaluating strategic alternatives for the Company. In furtherance of the Company's strategic plan, the Company intends to consider a range of available options, including partnering with one or more equity investors, strategic acquisitions and divestitures, and a business combination involving the Company. The Company has not made any decision to engage in any specific alternative at this time, and the exploration of strategic alternatives may not result in any specific action or transaction.

The announcement confirms a rumor reported on Wednesday.

Gleacher closed at $0.80 Thursday, a gain of 5.26% on 1.5 times average volume.

Private Equity Interest Waning in Allscripts

The Rumor:
Interest from private equity has declined in Allscripts Healthcare Solutions (NASDAQ: MDRX), according to Deal Reporter. On May 4 Allscripts was rumored to be a takeover target and just three days later the company adopted a shareholder rights plan, "to enable all stockholders to realize the long-term value of their investment in the Company and protect them from unfair or coercive takeover attempts."

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions closed at $10.45 Thursday, a gain of 0.19% on lower than average volume.

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