Here’s the latest twist in the ongoing story of Informa’s possible sale… The Telegraph reports that PE Firm Blackstone, which joined the bidding in July, is now in talks with rival PE behemoths Providence and Carlyle, on making a joint bid for the B2B publisher. Providence and Carlyle had already made a move for the company, initially partnering with Hellman and Friedman, which has since dropped out. The potential partnership comes as Providence and Carlyle are in the process of securing funding, though the report quotes one source who claims they have not raised as much as they’d initially hoped—not altogether surprising, given the markets.

• Earnings: Informa Still Talking With Suitors, Profit Up, Outlook ‘Strong’
• Informa Confirms Tentative Bid From 3 PE Players; Values Company At $6.8 Billion