Latest Corporate News
IBM Agrees to Acquire Confluent for $11 Billion
International Business Machines has agreed to buy data streaming firm Confluent for around $11 billion in cash at $31 per share, a 33% premium. This bolsters IBM's AI, software, and cloud offerings amid rising demand for real-time data in AI models. Confluent shares surged over 25% while IBM dipped slightly.
Paramount Skydance Launches $108 Billion Tender Offer for Warner Bros. Discovery
The Ellison family-controlled Paramount Skydance made an all-cash $108.4 billion bid at $30 per share, topping Netflix's $27.75 cash-and-stock deal agreed last week. This escalates a bidding war for Warner Bros., raising concerns over media consolidation and film industry impacts. Netflix remains confident its $82.7 billion agreement will proceed.
Netflix Faces Hostile Bid After Warner Bros. Acquisition Agreement
Netflix announced a definitive $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery on Dec. 5, but Paramount Skydance countered with a higher $108.4 billion offer. Filmmakers worry about reduced competition and threats to theatrical releases through 2029. Warner Bros. retains theatrical plans unchanged if Netflix deal closes.
Disney Commits $1 Billion to OpenAI with Sora Partnership
Disney invested $1 billion in OpenAI and secured a character-licensing deal for the Sora video generation model. This move signals deepening entertainment-AI ties amid broader 'next interface' races in AR/VR glasses. Meta and Google also advanced AI eyewear plans for 2026-2027.
Wealthfront Prices IPO at $14 per Share
Robo-advisor Wealthfront launched its IPO at $14 per share amid mixed market signals. Last week's indices showed Dow up 1.05%, S&P down 0.6%, and Nasdaq off 1.6%, with AI trade slumping post Broadcom and Oracle earnings. This reflects cooling in high-growth tech valuations.
Microsoft Invests $7.5 Billion in Canadian Azure Expansion
Microsoft pledged $7.5 billion over two years to grow Azure data centers in Canada, sparking debates on data sovereignty. This aligns with global cloud infrastructure pushes amid AI demands. U.S.-China chip policies also shifted, allowing Nvidia H200 sales to China.
EchoStar Shares Surge on Spectrum Sale to SpaceX
EchoStar Corp. rose up to 12% after agreeing to sell spectrum licenses to SpaceX, hitting an intraday record. Rocket Lab gained 4.3% on space sector momentum. SpaceX IPO plans generate buzz in global space industry.
BD Sells Biosciences Unit to Waters for $17.5 Billion
Becton Dickinson (BD) is shedding assets in a $17.5 billion deal selling its Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions to Waters Corp., gaining U.S. antitrust clearance. This fits 2025 medtech trends of divestitures and consolidations. Other medtech M&A includes Zimmer Biomet's robotics buy.
QXO Acquires Beacon Roofing Supply in Mega Deal
Paul Weiss advised QXO, Inc. on its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply, winning M&A Advisor 'Deal of the Year' over $5 billion. This highlights robust U.S. M&A activity in industrials. ZT Systems' sale to AMD took another top award.
SpaceX IPO Plans Spark Global Industry Buzz
Elon Musk's SpaceX is planning to go public, fueling excitement in the space sector amid spectrum deals and Rocket Lab growth projections to $22-24B revenue by 2026. EchoStar's deal with SpaceX boosted shares significantly. This could reshape space transportation markets.
Medtech M&A Heats Up with Multiple Acquisitions
ZimVie goes private in $730M deal; OSR Holdings buys glucose monitor developer; TPC makes 11th acquisition. Boston Scientific eyes future tech buys, while Teleflex plans split. Sector sees asset sheds and robotics pushes.
Integrated Rail Closes SPAC Merger with Tar Sands Holdings
Integrated Rail and Resources Acquisition Corp. completed its business combination with Tar Sands Holdings II and Future of Uinta Infrastructure Group. This SPAC deal advances energy infrastructure plays. Similar activity noted in rail and resources sector.