Latest Corporate News News
IBM Agrees to Acquire Confluent for $11 Billion
International Business Machines has agreed to buy data streaming firm Confluent for around US$11 billion in cash at $31 per share, a 33% premium, to enhance its AI, software, and cloud offerings. Confluent shares surged over 25% while IBM's stock dipped slightly; this follows IBM's record $34.5B Red Hat deal.
The acquisition targets real-time data needs boosted by AI boom.
Paramount Skydance Launches $108 Billion Tender Offer for Warner Bros. Discovery
The Ellison family-controlled Paramount Skydance made an all-cash $108.4 billion offer for Warner Bros. Discovery at $30 per share, topping Netflix's prior $27.75 cash-and-stock deal. This escalates a bidding war after Netflix's $82.7B agreement on Dec. 5.
Concerns rise over industry consolidation impacting filmmakers and theaters.
Netflix's Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Faces Hostile Bid and Class Action
Netflix announced a definitive $82.7B deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery on Dec. 5, but faces Paramount's higher bid and a proposed class action challenging the horizontal merger. Netflix's co-CEO remains confident despite competition; the deal includes theatrical distribution protections through 2029.
Critics fear reduced funding for independent films and theater decline.
Disney Commits $1 Billion to OpenAI with Sora Partnership
Disney has pledged US$1 billion to OpenAI and entered a character-licensing partnership for the Sora video model. This investment highlights growing entertainment-AI collaborations amid the 'next interface' race.
Related moves include Meta's EssilorLuxottica stake and delays in mixed-reality glasses.
Wealthfront Prices IPO at $14 per Share
Wealthfront successfully priced its initial public offering at US$14 per share. The robo-advisor's debut comes amid volatile markets with AI trade pressures.
Last week's indices showed Dow up 1.05%, S&P down 0.6%, Nasdaq down 1.6%.
Microsoft Invests $7.5 Billion in Canadian Azure Expansion
Microsoft committed $7.5 billion over two years to expand Azure cloud regions in Canada, sparking data sovereignty debates. This aligns with global AI infrastructure pushes.
Meanwhile, U.S.-China chip policies fluctuate, allowing Nvidia H200 sales to China.
Vital Energy Stockholders Approve Merger with Crescent Energy
Vital Energy shareholders approved the merger with Crescent Energy, expected to close December 15, 2025. The deal supports Vital's acquisition-focused strategy in energy.
This bolsters positions in key U.S. basins.
BD Sells Biosciences Unit to Waters for $17.5 Billion
Becton Dickinson (BD) is divesting its Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business to Waters Corp. for $17.5B, part of 2025 asset-shedding trends. The deal received U.S. antitrust clearance.
It reflects medtech portfolio optimizations.
QXO Acquires Beacon Roofing Supply in Major Deal
Paul, Weiss advised QXO, Inc. on its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., earning M&A Deal of the Year over $5B recognition. Led by partners like Nickolas Bogdanovich.
This highlights robust M&A activity in building materials.
AMD Acquires ZT Systems for Data Center Boost
Advanced Micro Devices acquired ZT Systems, advised by Paul, Weiss, winning M&A Deal of the Year ($1B-$5B). Partners Chelsea Darnell and James Langston led the effort.
The deal strengthens AMD's AI and data center capabilities.
EchoStar and Rocket Lab Surge on SpaceX Deals
EchoStar rose up to 12% after agreeing to sell spectrum to SpaceX; Rocket Lab gained 4.3% amid Starlink revenue projections of $15B in 2025. SpaceX buzz grows over potential IPO plans.
These moves signal space sector consolidation.
World Bank Issues $200 Million Clean Cooking Outcome Bond
The World Bank launched a USD 200 million outcome bond for clean cooking, showing rising investor interest in impact-linked investments. It funds sustainable energy access initiatives.
This underscores corporate and institutional green finance trends.