EQT, the private equity firm backed by Sweden's Wallenberg family, has begun the $3 billion-plus sale of burglar-alarm firm Securitas Direct, people familiar with the matter said. Securitas Direct could interest both rival private equity investors and large listed companies with fire and security alarm operations, including Stanley Black & Decker Inc (SWK.N), Tyco (TYC.N), and United Technologies Corp (UTC) (UTX.N), some of the people said. Bidders are now receiving information memorandums on the business and must submit indicative bids next month, the people said. EQT hopes it could fetch as much as 20 billion Swedish crowns ($3.26 billion), or more, two of the people added. Securitas Direct declined to comment. EQT did not immediately respond to requests for comment. ($1=6.128 Swedish Crown)
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