Latest Business News
Netflix in Exclusive Talks to Acquire Warner Bros. for $72 Billion
Netflix is in exclusive negotiations to buy Warner Bros. Discovery's film and TV assets, including HBO Max, in a $72 billion cash and stock deal. The agreement includes a $5 billion breakup fee if regulators block the deal. Negotiations could conclude soon but face scrutiny due to antitrust concerns in the US and EU.
S&P 500 Approaches Record High on Incoming Liquidity and Expected Fed Rate Cuts
The S&P 500 has risen for eight consecutive sessions, nearing its record high, driven by expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts starting next week. Additional stimulus measures and corporate tax incentives are boosting investor sentiment and equity demand into 2026.
HNI Corporation and Steelcase Shareholders Approve Merger, Closing Expected December 10, 2025
Shareholders of HNI Corp. and Steelcase Inc. have approved the acquisition of Steelcase by HNI, with the transaction anticipated to close on December 10, 2025. The deal combines two major office furniture manufacturers and is subject to customary closing conditions.
US Job Layoffs Surge to Over 1.17 Million in 2025, Highest Since the Pandemic
In 2025, more than 1.17 million Americans were laid off, a 54% increase from the previous year, marking the highest level of job cuts since the COVID-19 pandemic. AI automation is increasingly cited as a contributing factor to these layoffs.
Multiple Significant Merger and Acquisition Deals Announced Globally in Late 2025
From early November through December 2025, numerous M&A agreements have been finalized, including Eventbrite's $500 million acquisition by Bending Spoons, the $4.1 billion Brighthouse Financial sale, and Kimberly-Clark's $48.7 billion acquisition of Kenvue Inc.
Sustainable Energy Sector Sees Notable M&A Activity Including Nuclear and Renewable Projects
Sustainable energy companies have been active in M&A, with HCM II Acquisition Corp. acquiring Terrestrial Energy for $230 million and Xcel Energy acquiring a 300-megawatt solar project. Additionally, Quantum Hydrogen and Blockfusion were acquired, highlighting rising investment in clean energy infrastructure.
Omnicom Completes Acquisition of IPG Amid Employee Uncertainty
Five days after Omnicom's acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG), employees seek clarity on new policies including return-to-office and severance arrangements, signaling transitional challenges during large communications agency mergers.
Ulta Beauty and Victoria’s Secret Show Strong Earnings and Raise Sales Forecasts
Retailers Ulta Beauty and Victoria's Secret both beat profit and revenue expectations, with Ulta up 13.5% and Victoria's Secret stock rallying 12.1%. Both companies raised their full-year sales forecasts, signaling resilience in consumer spending despite economic pressures.
Federal Reserve’s Reserve Management Purchases Add Liquidity to Markets
The Federal Reserve's recent program of reserve management purchases, buying short-term Treasury bills, injects more liquidity into the financial markets. This move is viewed as supportive of equity gains and overall market stability ahead of expected policy easing.
Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition Deal Pressures Shares and Rival Bidders
Following the announcement of Netflix's plan to acquire Warner Bros., Netflix shares initially fell over 5% and then partially recovered before dropping again. The deal also caused a 7.7% drop in Paramount Skydance shares, a prior potential bidder, underscoring industry market shifts.