Thursday Papers: Private equity firms in $850m HGI deal - bid news and gossip

* Virgin Media head admits company could sell stake in UKTV; chief executive Neil Berkett gives clearest indication yet that company could sell its 50% stake in pay-TV venture.

* EasyJet puts volcano costs at £65m.

The Independent

* The airports operator BAA revealed narrowed first-half losses yesterday despite the impact of the volcanic ash cloud and the British Airways cabin crew strike.

* LinkedIn is believed to have received investment from a hedge fund, Tiger Global Management, that values the site at more than $2bn.; Tiger paid $20m to buy a 1% share in the social networking site.

Daily Express

* BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce yesterday cashed in on a drive to boost trade links with India by sealing a £700 million deal to supply Hawk jets to the Indian military.

Daily Mail

* A controversial £2.9bn bid for engineering group Tomkins came under fresh attack as a leading City analyst urged shareholders to spurn the takeover.