Latest Corporate News
US M&A Set for Record-Breaking 2026 as Rates Stabilize
US mergers and acquisitions are poised for record volume in 2026, driven by stabilized interest rates, corporate cash reserves, and AI integration needs. Tech giants like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon are targeting energy assets for AI data centers, while ServiceNow and Salesforce consolidate AI firms. The S&P 500 reflects a 'deal premium' amid this strategic resurgence.
Commerce Bancshares Completes FineMark Holdings Acquisition
Commerce Bancshares (NASDAQ: CBSH) closed its acquisition of FineMark Holdings, boosting assets to $36 billion and assets under administration to $90 billion. This expands private banking in Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina, ranking it 15th among bank-managed trust companies. CEO John Kemper highlighted cultural fit and growth potential.
BigBear.ai Finalizes $250M Ask Sage Acquisition
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 mission-ready AI capabilities in regulated environments. It follows a previously announced definitive agreement.
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 phases continue through Q1 2026, subject to approvals. This bolsters CFAM's offerings.
NetApp Announces $0.52 Dividend with January 2 Record Date
NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) declared a $0.52 per share dividend, with record date January 2, 2026, and payment on January 21. This draws dividend investor attention as trading resumes. American Express (NYSE: AXP) also set a record date of January 2.
Global PMI Data Releases Kick Off January 2 Trading
Key manufacturing PMI data releases on January 2 include Australia, India, Russia, Germany, Eurozone, UK, Brazil, Canada, and final US figures. These will signal economic activity, influencing investor sentiment and currencies. Markets reopen post-New Year's closures.
Classys Acquires Brazil's Largest Beauty Device Retailer
South Korean Classys Inc., majority-owned by Bain Capital, acquired JL Health Participacoes S.A. for 18.27 billion won ($13 million). This targets Brazil, a key overseas market for medical aesthetics devices. It strengthens Classys' global presence.
Permira and Warburg Pincus to Acquire Clearwater Analytics
Permira and Warburg Pincus announced plans to acquire Clearwater Analytics, with a 'go-shop' period ending January 23, 2026. The deal allows solicitation of alternatives during this time. It impacts investment management software sector.
Venzee Technologies Closes Jasper PIM Acquisition
Venzee Technologies completed its acquisition of the Jasper PIM solution from Digital Commerce Payments, alongside a $1 million private placement and debt settlement. A proposed name change follows. This enhances product information management capabilities.
Rolls-Royce Rated 'BBB+/A-2' by S&P, Launches Share Buyback
S&P Global rated Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC 'BBB+/A-2' amid channel checks, with a ÂŁ200 million share buyback starting January 2026, completing by February. This reflects positive outlook for the aerospace firm. Ratings support ongoing operations.
Tech Giants Drive Energy-Tech M&A Convergence
Alphabet (GOOGL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Amazon (AMZN) are acquiring energy assets and modular nuclear developers to power AI data centers. Cybersecurity leaders Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and CrowdStrike (CRWD) lead rollups. This blurs sector lines in 2026 deals.