Latest Corporate News
Netflix Agrees to Acquire Warner Bros in $72 Billion Deal
Netflix will purchase Warner Bros' film, TV, and streaming assets in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $72 billion equity, following Warner Bros Discovery's separation of legacy cable networks. The deal emerged from competitive bidding against rivals like Paramount Skydance and is expected to close in Q3 2026 pending approvals.
This marks a shift for Netflix toward large-scale media consolidation to bolster content and compete globally.
Equity Bancshares Completes Merger with Frontier Holdings
Equity Bancshares (NYSE: EQBK) finalized its merger with Frontier Holdings, adding seven Nebraska locations and entering a new state. Frontier branches reopened as Equity Bank on January 2, 2026, with system consolidation planned for February.
The deal boosts Equity's assets to $7.9 billion across six states.
Prosperity Bancshares Completes Merger with American Bank Holding
Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE: PB) merged with American Bank Holding Corporation, integrating American Bank's branches in Texas and Oklahoma. Effective January 1, 2026, this expands Prosperity's footprint in key Texas regions like Austin and West Texas.
The merger aims to enhance services amid forward-looking growth expectations.
Bank First Corporation Acquires Centre 1 Bancorp
Bank First (Nasdaq: BFC) completed its acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp, parent of First National Bank and Trust. The combined entity operates 38 branches in Wisconsin and Illinois with $6 billion in assets.
This strengthens community-focused banking in the region.
WideOpenWest (WOW!) Taken Private in $1.5 Billion Deal
Cable operator WOW! was acquired by DigitalBridge Group and Crestview Partners, closing a deal announced in August. Shareholders approved the transaction last month, shifting WOW! to private ownership.
The move supports bundled broadband strategies amid telecom investments.
PROG Holdings Closes Acquisition of Purchasing Power
PROG Holdings finalized its purchase of Purchasing Power, an Atlanta-based voluntary benefits provider offering employee purchase programs. This acquisition enhances PROG's financial wellness solutions for employers.
Details on deal value were not specified in announcements.
No Major Corporate Earnings Released Due to Holidays
Major S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, and Nikkei 225 companies are not publishing Q4 results today amid New Year celebrations. US corporate reports will start mid-January with banks and tech giants leading.
Investors await 2025 outcomes and 2026 forecasts.
Bridgewater and D.E. Shaw Lead Hedge Fund Gainers of 2025
Bridgewater and D.E. Shaw ranked among top-performing hedge funds for 2025, as reported in global business updates. This reflects strong year-end gains ahead of 2026 market outlook.
Details on performance metrics were highlighted in Fortune coverage.
US Markets Closed, Focus Shifts to Upcoming Earnings Season
S&P 500 markets are closed for holidays, with investors eyeing ISM Manufacturing Index and Non-Farm Payrolls next week. Corporate earnings season begins soon, potentially impacting stock prices.
Preliminary assessments are being priced in.
Limited Dividend Announcements Expected Post-Holidays
New Year period sees few corporate dividend or strategic plan releases due to celebrations. Investors should monitor press releases for key dates soon after holidays.
Focus remains on macroeconomic forecasts in Europe and Asia.
Australian PMIs Set for Release Amid Quiet Global Data Day
S&P Global Services and Composite PMI for Australia December to be published today, one of few macro events. Most countries skip data releases over holiday weekend.
Next week's US, Europe, Asia indicators to drive activity.