Latest Corporate News News
Netflix Agrees to Acquire Warner Bros in $72 Billion Deal
Netflix has agreed to buy Warner Bros' film, TV, and streaming assets for $72 billion in equity value after separating from Warner Bros Discovery. The cash-and-stock deal values shares at $27.75, with completion expected in Q3 2026 pending approvals. It emerged from competitive bidding beating rivals like Paramount Skydance.
Equity Bancshares Completes Merger with Frontier Holdings
Equity Bancshares (NYSE: EQBK) finalized its merger with Frontier Holdings, adding seven Nebraska locations effective January 1, 2026. Frontier branches reopen as Equity Bank today, with system consolidation in February.
The deal expands Equity to six states with $7.9 billion in assets.
Prosperity Bancshares Completes Merger with American Bank Holding
Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE: PB) completed the merger of American Bank Holding Corporation and its subsidiary American Bank, N.A., effective January 1, 2026. This boosts Prosperity's footprint in Texas areas like Austin, San Antonio, and West Texas.
The merger aims to enhance operations and market presence.
Bank First Corporation Acquires Centre 1 Bancorp
Bank First (Nasdaq: BFC) completed acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp, parent of First National Bank and Trust, on January 2, 2026. It adds trust and wealth management services, with 38 branches across Wisconsin and Illinois.
Full brand transition planned for May 2026.
First Financial Bancorp Acquires Chicago-based BankFinancial Corp
First Financial Bancorp closed its acquisition of BankFinancial Corp based in Chicago on January 2, 2026. The deal expands First Financial's presence in the Chicago market.
Details on asset integration were not specified in announcements.
WOW! Internet Cable Operator Taken Private in $1.5 Billion Deal
WideOpenWest (WOW!) was acquired by DigitalBridge Group and Crestview Partners for $1.5 billion, closing on January 2, 2026, after shareholder approval. The deal provides flexibility for fiber expansion amid subscriber losses.
WOW! aims to pass 400,000 new fiber homes.
Bridgewater and D.E. Shaw Lead Hedge Fund Gainers of 2025
Bridgewater and D.E. Shaw were among the top-performing hedge funds in 2025, as reported on January 3, 2026. This highlights strong year-end performance amid market conditions.
Full performance details available in Fortune coverage.
No Major Corporate Earnings Released Due to Holiday Weekend
Major S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, and Nikkei 225 companies are not publishing Q4 results today due to holidays. Earnings season starts mid-January with banks and tech giants.
Investors anticipate reports for 2025 outcomes and 2026 forecasts.
US Markets Closed, Focus Shifts to Upcoming Earnings Season
US markets including S&P 500 are closed for holidays on January 3, 2026, with attention on ISM Manufacturing Index and Non-Farm Payrolls next week. Corporate earnings from key sectors expected soon.
Preliminary assessments already influencing prices.
Limited Dividend Announcements Expected Post-Holidays
Corporate news on dividends and strategic plans is minimal during New Year celebrations. Investors should monitor press releases for key dates soon after holidays.
Europe and Asia focus on macro environment over reports.
Netflix Deal Faces Regulatory and Shareholder Scrutiny
The Warner Bros acquisition by Netflix requires regulatory and shareholder approvals amid rival bids from Paramount Skydance and others. Warner Bros Discovery board supports Netflix's offer over alternatives.
It signals media industry consolidation trends.