Latest Business News
Akzo Nobel and Axalta to Merge into $25 Billion Paint Giant
AkzoNobel, maker of Dulux paint, is merging with Axalta Coating Systems to form a $25 billion enterprise. AkzoNobel shareholders will receive a $2.5 billion dividend. This strategic move aims to create a dominant player in the coatings industry.
Hyundai Pledges Record $85.8 Billion Investment in South Korea
Hyundai Motor Group announced an $85.8 billion investment over five years in South Korea. The funds will advance AI, robotics, and electric vehicles to boost innovation and exports. This is the largest such commitment by the group.
Xiaomi Reports 81% Jump in Q3 Profit on EV Sales Boom
Xiaomi's third-quarter profit surged 80.9%, driven by strong electric vehicle sales and innovations. The company achieved its first net profit from EV operations in a single quarter. This marks a significant milestone for the tech firm.
Nestle Expands Infant Formula Recall Globally
Nestle's infant formula recall has widened to Africa, Americas, and Asia, including Brazil, China, and South Africa. The action addresses potential contamination risks. It affects multiple regions amid safety concerns.
Russia Hotel Investment Wanes Amid Tourism Slowdown
Hospitality markets in Moscow and St. Petersburg face stagnation with hotel investment at its lowest. Domestic tourism weakened, with Moscow seeing a 3.2% occupancy drop in H1 2025. This ends years of growth amid isolation.
UK Property Deals Poised for 2026 Rebound
UK commercial real estate sales are set for recovery after a volatile 2025, with £50 billion in deals. Analysts predict at least 10% growth to £55 billion in 2026. Optimism returns across categories and locations.
France Venture Acquires Thales Office Campuses Near Paris
Covivio and Blue Owl Capital formed a JV for three Thales-occupied office campuses south of Paris. Valued at €503 million, it will close H1 2026, yielding €138 million for Covivio. The deal exceeds 2024 appraisals.
Germany Office Leasing Steady Despite Rising Vacancy
Germany's top seven office markets leased 2.6 million sqm in 2025, matching prior year levels. Frankfurt and Cologne grew, but vacancies rose sharply in Berlin and Hamburg. Leasing held firm amid challenges.
Fireblocks Acquires Crypto Platform TRES Finance for $130M
Crypto infrastructure firm Fireblocks bought TRES Finance for $130 million. This is their second acquisition in the past year. It enhances crypto accounting capabilities.
Fusion Power Advances with Commonwealth Pilot Backed by Siemens, Nvidia
Commonwealth Fusion Systems hits milestones toward commercial fusion power. Partnerships with Siemens and Nvidia aid the pilot plant. Fusion nears prime time reality.
AI Layoffs Masked as Tech Adoption, Not Replacement
AI-driven layoffs are often corporate spin rather than actual worker replacement by AI. Firms aren't replacing staff on a significant scale with the technology. This hides darker layoff realities.
Global Shares Mixed After Wall Street Records
Asian and European markets traded mixed amid Wall Street highs and rate uncertainty. Japan's Nikkei fell 1.1% to 51,961.98; Germany's DAX gained 0.4%. Focus shifts to US jobs data and Venezuela tensions.