Informa, the UK-based B2B giant which recently broke merger talked with United Business Media (LSE: UBM), has confirmed that it received a tentative big approach from a private equity consortium which would value the business at about $6.8 billion, including debt. The bid is a joint one from Providence Equity Partners, Carlyle Group and Hellman & Friedman, and would rank as the world’s largest PE bid since leveraged finance markets seized up late last summer, reports FT. These talks are in very early stage, and may not result in a transaction.

This approach shows PE players’ continued interest in B2B media assets, especially ones with subscription and recurring revenues streams, over the cyclical, ad-driven consumer-facing media companies. Now if only someone can come to Reed Business Information’s rescue…things have gone kinda quiet there.

• Informa Gets $3.53 Billion Bid Interest From Providence, Carlyle
• Informa Ends Merger Talks With UBM; Gets Another Approach
• More Informa-UBM: Springer Owners Mull A Bid