Latest Corporate News News
Commerce Bancshares Completes Acquisition of FineMark Holdings
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) closed its acquisition of FineMark Holdings, Inc., boosting assets to $36 billion and $90 billion under administration, ranking 15th in bank-managed trusts. The deal expands private banking in Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina, with FineMark operating as a division of Commerce Bank.
Integration of systems is planned for the second half of 2026.
US M&A Activity Poised for Record-Breaking 2026
Analysts predict 2026 as a record year for US M&A due to stabilized interest rates, corporate cash reserves, and AI-driven consolidation. Tech giants like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon eye energy assets for AI data centers, while ServiceNow and Salesforce target AI firms.
The resurgence shifts from bolt-on deals to transformational megadeals.
BigBear.ai Finalizes $250M Acquisition of Ask Sage
BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) completed its $250 million cash acquisition of Ask Sage, a generative AI platform for secure defense and intelligence applications. The deal enhances BigBear.ai's mission-ready AI capabilities in regulated environments.
It follows a previously announced definitive agreement.
SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic Eye Mega-IPOs in 2026
2026 is set to be the 'Year of the Mega-IPO' with SpaceX ($1.5T valuation), OpenAI, and Anthropic potentially debuting publicly, combined value near $3 trillion. SpaceX leads with orbital infrastructure push; OpenAI transitions to public benefit corporation.
The IPOs signal mainstream AI and space tech sectors.
Cantor Fitzgerald Closes First Phase of O’Connor Acquisition
Cantor Fitzgerald announced the first closing of its acquisition of UBS O’Connor’s alternative investment platform, transferring two hedge fund strategies to CFAM. Further funds and assets to transfer through Q1 2026, pending approvals.
This strengthens Cantor’s position in global financial services.
NetApp and American Express Declare Dividends
NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) announced a $0.52 dividend with record date January 2, 2026, payment on January 21. American Express (NYSE: AXP) set record date of January 2, 2026, attracting dividend investors.
These mark early corporate events as earnings season approaches.
Chinese EV Makers Report Strong December Deliveries
Xiaomi delivered over 50,000 EVs for the first time; Nio and Hongmeng hit records; Leapmotor up over 40% YoY. BYD led with 420,400 units; Leapmotor neared 600,000 annual sales, topping new forces.
Zero-run, XPeng, Xiaomi exceeded annual targets; others fell short.
Bain Capital Takes Echo Marketing Private
Bain Capital agreed to acquire a 43.6% stake from Echo Marketing's founder and take the Andar owner private via tender offer. Separately, Bain-backed Classys acquired Brazil's JL Health for $13M, expanding in medical aesthetics.
These moves strengthen Bain's portfolio in consumer and health sectors.
First Financial Bancorp to Close Chicago Acquisition
First Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC) will close its acquisition of a Chicago entity on January 1, 2026. The deal advances First Financial's expansion strategy in key markets.
Details on assets and integration were not specified in announcements.
Permira and Warburg Pincus to Acquire Clearwater Analytics
Permira and Warburg Pincus announced a merger to acquire Clearwater Analytics, with a go-shop period ending January 23, 2026. The deal targets the investment data platform amid rising M&A activity.
Regulatory approvals are pending.
Hong Kong IPOs Lead Global Fundraising in 2025
Hong Kong's IPO market raised 285.8B HKD in 2025 from 119 listings, reclaiming global top spot. Large IPOs and A-share firms dominated; 2026 expected to exceed 300B HKD.
Wall Ruan Tech set for Hong Kong listing debut.
Rolls-Royce Announces ÂŁ200M Share Buyback Program
Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC launched a share buyback of up to ÂŁ200 million, starting January 2026 and completing by February 2026. S&P rated it 'BBB+/A-2' amid stable outlook.
The program supports shareholder returns post-recovery.