Latest Corporate News News
Global M&A rebounds to pre‑pandemic levels with surge in big‑ticket deals
Research by WTW shows **726 global M&A deals over $100 million** closed in the past 12 months, a 2% rise from 2024 and a return to pre‑pandemic activity levels. Aggregate deal value climbed **11% to $933 billion**, with large deals over $1 billion up 14% and average large-deal size hitting $2.9 billion, driven by strong equity markets, interest‑rate cuts and AI adoption.
New earnings season opens with Constellation Brands, Walgreens, TSMC and Yaskawa
The latest earnings season is starting with key reports from **Constellation Brands, Walgreens Boots Alliance, TSMC, Sainsbury’s and Yaskawa Electric**, spanning beverages, pharmacies, semiconductors, retail and industrial automation. Investors are focused on holiday‑period demand, margin pressures from inflation, updated 2026 guidance and order trends in robotics and Asian tech as first benchmarks for 2026 profitability.
China to merge Sinopec parent and China National Aviation Fuel in state energy shake‑up
China’s state‑assets regulator SASAC announced a **merger and reorganization of China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec’s parent) and China National Aviation Fuel Group**, signaling further consolidation in the state energy sector. The move is part of efforts to optimize the structure and competitiveness of strategic energy SOEs amid volatile commodity markets and shifting geopolitical conditions.
Nestlé China pressed to recall specific infant formula batches
Chinese regulators have ordered **Nestlé (China) Co., Ltd.** to recall certain batches of infant formula, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of food safety in the infant‑nutrition market. Authorities from two government departments urged the recall after quality concerns, underscoring regulatory risks for multinationals in China’s consumer sector.
AI and brain–computer interface stocks fuel rally in China’s A‑share market
China’s A‑share market saw **over 3,700 stocks rise**, with commercial spaceflight and brain–computer interface concept names hitting multiple limit‑up sessions. Companies such as Aipeng Medical and Nanjing Panda Electronics surged as investors rotated into AI‑linked and high‑tech themes, even as insurance, securities and industrial metals lagged.
Veritas Capital to acquire majority stake in Global Healthcare Exchange
Private equity firm **Veritas Capital** is acquiring a **majority stake in Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX)**, a leading healthcare supply‑chain software platform. The deal underscores continued private‑equity interest in technology that connects providers and suppliers and supports mission‑critical, data‑driven procurement in healthcare systems.
Main Capital Partners buys majority stake in healthcare communications firm IQ Messenger
**Main Capital Partners** is acquiring a **majority stake in IQ Messenger**, a vendor‑neutral critical communications platform for healthcare institutions. Main plans to back IQ Messenger’s international expansion and buy‑and‑build strategy, capitalizing on demand for interoperable, secure communication solutions and out‑of‑hospital care technology.
PureStar acquires Emerald Textiles to expand textile services footprint
Cornell Capital portfolio company **PureStar**, a major North American provider of hospitality laundry and linen management, is acquiring **Emerald Textiles**, a leading healthcare textile services provider on the U.S. West Coast. The combination broadens PureStar’s geographic reach and service mix across hospitality and healthcare textile services in the U.S., Mexico and the Bahamas.
Accounting firm SAX expands via acquisition of SSL and Sierra Financial Advisors
Accounting, tax and advisory firm **SAX** has acquired **Scheidel, Sullivan & Lanni CPA LLC (SSL)** along with **Sierra Financial Advisors, LLC**. The deal expands SAX’s client base and wealth‑management capabilities, reflecting ongoing consolidation among mid‑market professional‑services firms.
Doeren Mayhew grows Florida presence with Lancaster & Reed acquisition
Advisory and CPA firm **Doeren Mayhew** completed the acquisition of **Lancaster & Reed LLC**, a Florida‑based firm, effective December 17. The transaction strengthens Doeren Mayhew’s footprint and client service capacity in Florida as regional accounting firms scale through M&A.
Warren Buffett officially retires as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
During the week, **Warren Buffett, 95, officially retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway**, ending one of the longest and most closely watched tenures in corporate history. Buffett transformed Berkshire from a struggling textile manufacturer into a global conglomerate spanning insurance, energy, railroads and consumer brands, and his retirement marks a pivotal leadership transition.
Wave of senior leadership changes and rebrands across real estate and asset management
Corporate announcements this week include **Altus Group naming Rich Sarkis CMO**, **Empire Company appointing Pierre St‑Laurent CEO**, and **RBC Global Asset Management designating Stu Kedwell as global CIO**. Other moves include SolarBank rebranding as **PowerBank Corporation** to reflect a broader power‑solutions strategy and Colliers’ investment‑management division rebranding to **Harrison Street Asset Management**, with Christopher Merrill as global CEO.