Latest Corporate News

📅January 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Major corporate mergers and acquisitions dominate 2026's start, including bank consolidations, asset management deals, and industrial acquisitions amid firm global stock openings.
1

Global Stocks Open 2026 Strongly with Precious Metals Rally

Global equity markets began 2026 positively in thin holiday trading, building on a year-end rally, while precious metals continued their upward momentum.Source 1 This sets a firm tone for corporate markets amid ongoing economic optimism.Source 1

2

Pinnacle Financial Completes $117B Merger with Synovus

Pinnacle Financial Partners merged with Synovus, forming a $117.2B bank with $95.7B deposits and $80.4B loans; new PNFP shares started NYSE trading January 2.Source 2 CEO Kevin Blair highlighted the union of legacies for growth and client focus, with systems integration planned for early 2027.Source 2 The deal, announced in July 2025, enhances Pinnacle's scale as the fastest-growing regional bank.Source 2

3

First Financial Bancorp Acquires Chicago's BankFinancial

First Financial completed its all-stock acquisition of BankFinancial, adding 18 Chicago financial centers and boosting assets to $22B.Source 3 CEO Archie Brown emphasized growth opportunities in consumer and commercial services.Source 3 BankFinancial branches operate under their name until June 2026 conversion.Source 3

4

Rayonier Schedules Shareholder Vote on PotlatchDeltic Merger

Rayonier Inc. set a January 27 special meeting for shareholders to vote on its merger of equals with PotlatchDeltic Corp., aiming for Q1 2026 completion.Source 4 The deal follows negotiations after Rayonier's New Zealand timber sale, with new HQ in Atlanta.Source 4 Both companies hold concurrent virtual meetings.Source 4

5

Equity Bancshares Merges with Frontier Bank, Enters Nebraska

Equity Bancshares completed its merger with Frontier Holdings, parent of Frontier Bank, effective January 1, expanding into Nebraska.Source 5 This strengthens Equity's regional presence in the Midwest.Source 5 The NYSE-listed EQBK now integrates Frontier's operations.Source 5

6

MetLife Closes Acquisition of PineBridge Investments

MetLife Investment Management acquired PineBridge Investments, managing a combined $734.7B in assets globally.Source 6 The deal, aligning with MetLife's New Frontier strategy, adds PineBridge's international footprint, excluding private equity and China JV.Source 6 CFO John McCallion noted enhanced capabilities for market challenges.Source 6

7

First Financial Bancorp's $142M BankFinancial Deal Closes

First Financial Bancorp finalized its $142M all-stock purchase of Chicago-based BankFinancial, enhancing Midwest commercial and consumer banking.Source 7 This builds on recent expansions in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.Source 7 Client services remain uninterrupted during integration.Source 7

8

Permira and Warburg Pincus to Acquire Clearwater Analytics

Permira and Warburg Pincus announced a merger to acquire Clearwater Analytics, with a 'go-shop' period until January 23.Source 8 The deal targets the investment data platform's growth in asset management.Source 8 Clearwater can solicit alternative offers during this phase.Source 8

9

Michelin Announces Acquisitions of Cooley Group and Tex Tech

Michelin reached agreements to acquire Cooley Group, specialist in coated fabrics, and Tex Tech Industries for polymer composite solutions.Source 9 These moves over the past two months reinforce Michelin's advanced materials business.Source 9 The projects aim to bolster industrial applications.Source 9

10

Comply365 Acquires Aviation Training Provider MINT Software

Comply365 announced the acquisition of MINT Software Systems, a provider of aviation training management solutions.Source 10 This enhances Comply365's offerings in aviation compliance and operations.Source 10 The deal supports digital transformation in the sector.Source 10