Latest Corporate News
Global Trade Downturn Eases at Start of 2026
Manufacturing trade near-stabilizes while services exports fall further, with goods production rising sharply due to new orders. Emerging markets like India and South Korea lead export growth; US services exports hit hardest by geopolitics.
Business sentiment remains subdued despite improvements.
US Labor Market Cracks with Plunging Job Openings
JOLTS openings drop to 6.542M against 7.200M expected, initial claims spike to 231K, and Challenger layoffs surge. Signals weakening corporate hiring amid economic pressures.
Impacts global firms' US operations planning.
Hotwire Communications Sold for $6.2 Billion to Brookfield
South Florida's largest M&A: Hotwire Communications acquired by Brookfield Infrastructure on Sept 3, 2025. Tops Cloud Software Group's $5.6B deal by Vista Equity.
Highlights infrastructure and tech consolidation.
Major US Shale Producers in Talks for $40B+ Merger
Two leading US shale firms negotiate combination creating upstream giant over $40B market cap, leaked Jan 2026. Follows Exxon-Pioneer ($60B, 2023) and Chevron-Hess ($53B, 2025).
Signals renewed oil & gas consolidation.
LG Energy Solution Takes Full Ownership of NextStar Energy
Stellantis and LG agree on LG acquiring full control of NextStar battery JV in Canada for strategic agility. Bolsters North American EV and ESS production amid growing demand.
Closing pending approvals.
Flowserve Acquires Trillium Valves Division for $490M
Flowserve buys TVD to expand in nuclear, power, and infrastructure with specialized valves and services. Deal advised by Baker McKenzie, closes Q2 2026.
Enhances reach in conventional and emerging markets.
Aramco Ramps Up US Energy Deals Worth Tens of Billions
Saudi Aramco signs prelim deals with MidOcean, NextDecade, Baker Hughes for LNG and tech under Vision 2030. Focuses on emissions reduction and global gas expansion.
Strengthens US strategic ties.
Brookfield Buys Colonial Pipeline Assets for $9B
Brookfield Infrastructure acquires Colonial Enterprises' midstream portfolio including 5,500-mile US pipeline. Largest US deal in transportation segment's $4B early 2026 activity.
Boosts refined products infrastructure.
Unilever Enters Pivotal 2026 Post-Ice Cream Spin-Off
After Magnum demerger, Unilever focuses on executing strategy amid pricing challenges and growth needs. Food brands like Knorr resilient; may pursue acquisitions like past Liquid I.V.
North America key for sales growth.
LakeShore Biopharma Merger Delayed Over RMB576.5M Liability
Buyer group cites arbitration awards as material adverse effect, skips Feb 12 EGM vote on $0.90/share privatization. Awards received Jan 21-22, 2026; firm delisted to OTC.
Puts go-private deal at risk.
UK M&A Poised for Growth with PE Exits and IPO Surge
Stephenson Harwood notes £10bn+ 2025 deals; 2026 sees stability, public-to-privates, and overseas investment. PE accelerates exits as Covid investments mature.
Listing reforms boost London markets.
Baker Hughes Sells Pressure Control to Cactus for $350M
Baker Hughes divests 65% stake to focus on core; Schlumberger acquires ChampionX and RESMAN. Part of ongoing oilfield services reshaping.
Supports strategic portfolio optimization.