Latest Corporate News

📅January 3, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Major corporate mergers dominate headlines including Netflix's $72B Warner Bros. acquisition and multiple US bank deals, amid quiet markets and CES 2026 anticipation.
1

Netflix Agrees to Acquire Warner Bros. in $72 Billion Deal

Netflix has agreed to purchase Warner Bros.' film, TV, and streaming assets for $72 billion in equity value after separation 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 against rivals like Paramount Skydance.Source 2

2

Equity Bancshares Completes Merger with Frontier Holdings

Equity Bancshares, Inc. finalized its merger with Frontier Holdings, LLC, adding seven Nebraska locations effective January 1, 2026. Frontier branches reopened as Equity Bank on January 2, with system consolidation in February. The deal expands Equity to $7.9 billion in assets across six states.Source 4

3

Taft Law Completes Merger with Morris, Manning & Martin

Taft merged with Morris, Manning & Martin effective December 31, 2025, creating an Am Law 100 firm with over 1,250 attorneys in 25 offices and $1B+ revenues. This is Taft's third merger in 2025, boosting presence in Atlanta and D.C. The strategy aims for national middle-market leadership.Source 6

4

Prosperity Bancshares Completes Merger with American Bank Holding

Prosperity Bancshares merged with American Bank Holding Corporation effective January 1, 2026, integrating American Bank in Texas. The expansion adds locations in Central and West Texas areas. Forward-looking statements note integration risks and growth objectives.Source 8

5

Bank First Corporation Acquires Centre 1 Bancorp

Bank First Corporation completed its acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc., parent of The First National Bank and Trust Company, on January 2, 2026. The deal enhances Bank First's presence in Wisconsin and Illinois. Details on asset integration were announced in Manitowoc, WI.Source 9

6

WOW! Internet Cable Operator Taken Private in $1.5B 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 takes the company private to focus on bundled broadband services. DigitalBridge faces its own Softbank acquisition.Source 10

7

No Major Corporate Reports Released on January 3 Due to Holidays

Financial results from S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, and Nikkei 225 companies are absent today amid holiday weekends. Earnings season starts mid-January with banks and tech giants. Investors await Q4 2025 results and 2026 forecasts.Source 1

8

CES 2026 Keynotes Feature Top Tech CEOs Starting January 5

CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6-9 highlights keynotes by AMD's Lisa Su, Siemens' Roland Busch, and Caterpillar's Joe Creed. Sessions cover AI, women's health tech, and innovation blueprints. Press conferences from Bosch, LG, Sony, and others on January 5.Source 3

9

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Predicts 2026 AI Turning Point

Satya Nadella states 2026 will shift AI focus to real-world applications beyond access. Companies will emphasize tangible impacts. This aligns with broader AI optimism in markets.Source 7

10

Wall Street Forecasts S&P 500 Rally Continuation in 2026

Analysts predict S&P 500 growth of 3.7% to 18%, driven by AI boom and Fed rate cuts. Top picks include NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, Palantir. High valuations warrant caution despite low recession odds.Source 5

11

US Markets Closed; Focus Shifts to Upcoming Earnings and Data

S&P 500 markets are closed for holidays, with attention on ISM Manufacturing Index and Non-Farm Payrolls on January 9. Earnings from banks and tech expected mid-January. Investors assess 2026 outlook post-New Year trading.Source 1

12

Australian PMIs Expected Today Amid Quiet Global Data Calendar

S&P Global Services and Composite PMIs for Australia in December publish today. No other major macro data due to holidays; US, Europe, Asia indicators start next week. Corporate dividend announcements may emerge post-holidays.Source 1