US private equity firms The Carlyle Group Inc. (NasdaqGS:CG) and KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR) are among the final bidders for a USD-10-billion (EUR 9.33 billion) US student local portfolio of local financial services group Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS), the Financial Times reported on June 20, 2024 citing insiders. The two investment firms are allegedly preparing a joint bid for the portfolio.

Other parties that have also weighed bids include Ares, Blackstone, Brookfield, Fortress and Oaktree, according to the people. One of them was quoted as saying that the auction is due to be completed later in June or at the beginning of July.