CVC Capital Partners Limited  has walked away from talks with Brambles Limited (ASX:BXB) regarding its prospective $20 billion takeover bid, but has probably fired the starter's pistol in what could be the eventual removal of the target from the sharemarket and equity investors by a cashed-up bidder. The abrupt end to takeover discussions - CVC is said to have pulled out because of broader market volatility - is also likely to put further pressure on the -Brambles board to come up with a "plan B" to deliver shareholder -returns after years of dis-appointment. "Brambles informs the market that CVC has today advised that it will not be putting forward a proposal nor seeking to conduct detailed due diligence at this time due to the current external market volatility," Brambles said in an ASX statement lodged before the market opened.

The engagement has therefore concluded earlier on May 18, 2022.