Latest Corporate News News
Global M&A Volumes Surge 50% to $4.5 Trillion in 2025
Global mergers and acquisitions hit $4.5 trillion in 2025, the second-highest on record, fueled by 68 megadeals over $10 billion including media and railroad sectors. US deals totaled $2.3 trillion, generating over half of $135 billion in investment banking fees, up 9% from 2024. This wave echoes 2021's frenzy with bold transactions reshaping industries.
Fifth Third Bancorp to Acquire Comerica for $10.9 Billion
Fifth Third Bancorp's $10.9 billion acquisition of Comerica will create the ninth-largest US bank with $288 billion in assets, set to close in Q1 2026. The deal aims to expand commercial banking presence. It tops the list of 2025's biggest bank M&A transactions.
Pinnacle Financial and Synovus Merge in $8.6 Billion Deal
Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial announced a merger of equals creating a $116 billion-asset bank focused on the Southeast, on track to close January 1, 2026. Synovus CEO Kevin Blair will lead the combined entity under the Pinnacle flag. Regulatory approval came from the Federal Reserve in November.
Brown & Brown to Buy Risk Strategies and One80 for $9.8 Billion
Brown & Brown agreed to acquire Accession Risk Management, parent of Risk Strategies and One80, for $9.8 billion in June, marking a massive insurance brokerage deal. M&A activity remained hot in insurance throughout 2025. This transaction highlights ongoing consolidation in the sector.
Electronic Arts Agrees to $55 Billion Take-Private Buyout
Electronic Arts, a top video game publisher, will be taken private in a record $55 billion deal by Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi PIF, with $36 billion equity and $20 billion debt from JPMorgan. Described as the largest leveraged buyout ever, it underscores private equity's megadeal ambitions. The transaction targets stable cash flow firms amid public market challenges.
Thoma Bravo Acquires Dayforce for $12.3 Billion
Global human capital management software provider Dayforce agreed to an all-cash $12.3 billion buyout by Thoma Bravo in August. Private equity focused on tech firms with steady cash flows but limited public investor interest. This reflects accelerating software take-private trends in 2025.
Permira and Warburg Pincus Take Clearwater Analytics Private for $8.4 Billion
Investment analytics firm Clearwater Analytics will go private in a $8.4 billion deal including debt by Permira and Warburg Pincus. The company struggled post-listing despite demand for its tools. It exemplifies private equity targeting growth-profitability squeezed tech firms.
China's Industrial Profits Plunge 13.1% in November
Profits at China's industrial firms dropped 13.1% year-on-year in November, the fastest decline in over a year, despite strong exports, due to weak domestic demand and deflation. For the first 11 months, profits rose just 0.1%, slowed by coal mining plunge. Beijing pressures over-investment amid property crisis.
AI Startups Raise Record $150 Billion Funding Cushion
Silicon Valley AI startups amassed $150 billion in funding in 2025, building 'fortress balance sheets' against potential 2026 bust. Backers advise caution amid investment boom fears. This cushions against AI hype turning sour.
Elon Musk Warns of Silver Price Rally Impact
Elon Musk highlighted record silver prices amid China export limits, noting its critical role in EVs, solar, electrification, and data centers where demand surges. Rising demand erodes inventories, posing industrial risks.
US Consumer Confidence Deteriorates in December
US consumer confidence fell in December due to job and income anxieties, aligning with expectations for moderated spending post-Q3 surge. This contrasts robust GDP driven by top 10% earners spending $20.3 trillion H1 2025. Wealthy Americans fuel 'Trump Golden Age' growth.
DB Insurance Acquires US Firm Fortegra for $1.65 Billion
South Korea's DB Insurance bought US specialty insurer Fortegra Group for $1.65 billion, part of continued insurance M&A momentum. Brokers like Marsh, Aon, and Gallagher also pursued multi-billion deals. Sector consolidation persists into 2025.