Latest Corporate News News
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs Under Emergency Powers Act
On February 20, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority in imposing tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The decision replaced country-specific tariffs with a flat Section 122 surcharge, benefiting Brazil, China, and India, though the US has initiated Section 301 investigations into Brazil and China that could lead to retaliatory measures.
Trump Administration Asserts Trade Deals Remain in Force
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that trade agreements negotiated by the Trump administration with the European Union, China, and other partners remain in effect despite the Supreme Court ruling. However, the European Parliament's trade chief proposed freezing EU ratification of a US trade deal pending clarification of the administration's trade policy.
Trump Announces New 15% Global Tariff After Court Rebuke
Following the Supreme Court decision, President Trump announced a new 15% global tariff on February 22, 2026. This move represents the administration's response to the judicial check on using emergency powers for tariff implementation.
Abbott Laboratories Wins Shareholder Approval for $21 Billion Exact Sciences Acquisition
Abbott Laboratories secured overwhelming shareholder approval on Friday, with more than 99% of votes supporting the acquisition of Exact Sciences at $105 per share in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $21 billion. The acquisition is expected to close before the end of Q2 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and will strengthen Abbott's diagnostics portfolio as Exact Sciences reported $3.25 billion in revenue for 2025.
M&A Activity Surges Across Insurance, Healthcare, and Professional Services
M&A dealmaking continues to accelerate in 2026 with significant consolidation across sectors. Notable transactions include Arthur J. Gallagher's acquisition of Assured Partners (closing January 1, 2026), BroadStreet Partners leading buyers with 57 transactions through Q3 2025, and Inszone completing 50 acquisitions by year-end 2025.
Australian M&A Market Attracts Foreign Capital as Deal Value Declines
Global investors poured into Australia in 2025, with inbound deals representing 45% of total deal value, up from 30% a year earlier, according to PwC's M&A Outlook 2026. Despite deal value declining 8% year-over-year to US$79.5 billion, over half of Australian CEOs plan major acquisitions in the next three years, with 36% targeting new capabilities.
Taiwan's AI-Powered Economy Booms as Concerns Over Bubble Emerge
Taiwan's semiconductor exports jumped nearly 35% year-on-year in 2025, driven by surging US shipments up 78% due to ballooning AI demand, with TSMC becoming one of the world's top 10 most valuable companies. However, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei expressed nervousness about a potential AI bubble, noting the company must invest $52-$56 billion in 2026 to avoid disaster.
TSMC's Profit Surges 46% as AI Demand Transforms Taiwan's Economy
TSMC reported profit jumped 46% last year to $1.7 trillion Taiwan dollars ($54 billion), while maintaining production of more than 90% of the world's most advanced chips. The chipmaker is investing heavily in new factories in Arizona and expanding operations globally to meet surging AI-related demand.
MTN Seeks to Acquire Remaining Stake in IHS for $2.2 Billion
MTN announced plans to acquire the 75.3% stake of IHS Towers that it does not already own in a $2.2 billion cash transaction. The deal would give MTN control of 28,700 towers across five key African markets, serving 10 of the continent's 13 network operators.
Mining and Metals Sector Records $11 Billion in M&A in January 2026
The mining and metals sector saw more than US$11 billion in financing and mergers and acquisitions deals during January 2026. This activity signals strong momentum for resource-focused dealmaking in the first month of the year.
Tidewater Announces All-Cash Acquisition of Wilson Sons Ultratug Offshore
Tidewater announced an all-cash acquisition of Wilson Sons Ultratug Offshore, marking another significant transaction in the maritime and offshore services sector.