Latest Business News
Oil Prices Hold Above $100 as Iran's Khamenei Targets Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices remained around $100 per barrel on Friday after Iran's leader called for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route. Equity markets dropped globally in response to escalating US-Iran tensions. Brent crude surged above $100 for the first time since 2021, extending market slides.
Asian Stocks Lower Amid US-Iran Defiance and Oil Rally
Asian stocks declined as US and Iran remained defiant, with oil hitting $100 and the dollar gaining strength. Markets extended slides due to geopolitical risks from potential Hormuz closure. Indian Nifty50 and BSE Sensex tanked on oil price climbs and war fears.
Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS Complete Major Merger
Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS announced the closure of their merger on March 12, creating a leading North American distributor of JanSan, foodservice, and industrial packaging products. The deal expands scale, geographic reach, and customer solutions across the US and Canada. FEMSA retains 19% ownership with board representation.
Associated Banc-Corp Receives Approvals for American National Acquisition
Associated Banc-Corp secured all regulatory approvals, including from the OCC and Federal Reserve, for its merger with American National Corporation. The deal is expected to close on April 1, 2026, boosting presence in Omaha and Twin Cities markets. Integration planning is underway for a smooth transition.
Cintas Acquires UniFirst in $5.5 Billion Deal
Cintas successfully acquired UniFirst for approximately $5.5 billion after previous bids in 2022 and 2025 failed. The deal marks Cintas' third attempt to consolidate in the uniform rental sector. It enhances Cintas' market position in uniforms and related services.
Voyager Acquisition Shareholders Approve VERAXA Biotech Merger
Voyager Acquisition Corporation received shareholder approval for its business combination with VERAXA Biotech AG on March 12, despite 99.67% redemptions leaving $885,556 in trust. The combined company awaits Nasdaq listing approval under ticker VRXA. Closure is subject to customary conditions.
Doeren Mayhew Acquires Berman Hopkins Accounting Firm
Top 50 firm Doeren Mayhew acquired Berman Hopkins, adding nearly 100 employees and nine principals, with offices in Orlando and Melbourne, Florida. This is Doeren Mayhew's third M&A in 2026 and eighth in the Southeast. The deal supports growth in construction and advisory services.
Blackstone Acquires Majority Stake in Advanced Cooling Technologies
Blackstone agreed to acquire a majority stake in Advanced Cooling Technologies, a US manufacturer of thermal management solutions. ACT's executive team remains in place as significant shareholders. The deal was announced on March 12, 2026.
Alexander & Baldwin Taken Private in $2.3 Billion Transaction
Commercial real estate operator Alexander & Baldwin, focused on Hawaii grocery-anchored retail, is being taken private in a $2.3 billion deal announced March 12. The transaction ends its public listing. It targets select commercial assets across Hawaii.
Fears of Helium Supply Crunch Impact Asian Chipmakers
Concerns over a potential helium supply shortage are hitting Asian chipmakers amid broader market pressures. This adds to challenges from geopolitical tensions and oil volatility. The issue threatens semiconductor production in the region.
Chinese Chip Designer Reports First-Ever Annual Profit
A Chinese chip designer achieved its first annual profit of around 306 million dollars, slightly below estimates, with revenue at 6.5 billion yuan. The firm benefits from AI boom tailwinds. This contrasts with broader market declines.
Stellantis Explores Deals with Chinese Carmakers for European Ops
Stellantis is discussing investments from Chinese carmakers into its European operations, including stakes in Maserati and other brands. The CEO has steadied luxury carmakers amid supply shortages and EV shifts. China policy remains broadly stable.