Latest Corporate News
Large “big‑ticket” M&A deals drive global corporate transaction activity higher
New data from WTW show **global M&A over $100 million rose for a second year**, with 726 completed deals in the past 12 months, up 2% from 2024. The value of completed deals climbed 11% to **$933 billion**, with transactions over $1 billion increasing 14% and average large‑deal size reaching a record $2.9 billion in the second half of 2025.
New earnings season opens with major corporates setting early 2026 profit tone
A new global earnings season is beginning, with companies such as **Constellation Brands, Walgreens Boots Alliance, TSMC, Sainsbury’s and Yaskawa Electric** among the first to report. Investors are watching holiday‑period demand, margin trends, and updated 2026 guidance as early indicators of profitability across consumer, retail, semiconductor and industrial automation sectors.
Trump orders Chinese‑linked owner to divest U.S. defense‑related semiconductor assets
President Trump issued an Executive Order requiring **HieFo Corporation to divest certain assets of EMCORE Corporation**, a New Jersey aerospace and defense firm, on national‑security grounds. Following a CFIUS review, the administration cited concerns over Chinese control, access to sensitive intellectual property, and diversion of indium phosphide chip production, underscoring that even **sub‑$3 million** deals can face forced unwinding.
R&D spending increasingly concentrated among top global corporations, with autos in focus
The EU’s 2025 Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard shows the **top 50 companies spent €633 billion on R&D**, or 44% of the total, up 1.5 percentage points from 2023. Ten automakers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes‑Benz, BMW, Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Ford, Stellantis and BYD, are in this top tier, though several—such as Volkswagen, GM and Stellantis—have cut R&D outlays, together reducing spending by about €2.1 billion.
Trump to meet U.S. oil executives over plan to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry
Oil Change International reports that President Trump is expected to meet executives from **Chevron, Exxon, ConocoPhillips and Continental Resources** to seek cooperation in plans to take over Venezuela’s oil sector. The meeting highlights potential shifts in corporate strategies and geopolitical risk for major oil companies operating in Latin America.
Private equity firm Veritas Capital acquires majority stake in Global Healthcare Exchange
Veritas Capital is acquiring a **majority stake in Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX)**, a leading healthcare supply‑chain software platform connecting providers and suppliers. Law firm Gibson Dunn is advising on the deal, which underscores continued investor interest in technology‑enabled healthcare infrastructure and data‑driven procurement solutions.
Hospitality laundry leader PureStar buys healthcare‑focused Emerald Textiles
Cornell Capital’s portfolio company **PureStar** has acquired **Emerald Textiles**, a leading healthcare textile services provider on the U.S. West Coast. The transaction expands PureStar’s linen and laundry footprint from hospitality into healthcare, broadening its service base across the United States, Mexico and the Bahamas; financial terms were not disclosed.
Accounting firm Doeren Mayhew expands Florida presence through Lancaster & Reed acquisition
Advisory and accounting firm **Doeren Mayhew** has completed its acquisition of Florida‑based **Lancaster & Reed LLC**, effective December 17. The deal strengthens Doeren Mayhew’s footprint in the Florida market and adds to its capabilities in tax, assurance and business advisory services for regional clients.
Global trade policy turbulence reshapes corporate strategies across sectors
Clyde & Co warns that **instability in global trade policy and surging tariff negotiations** are creating significant uncertainty for companies in multiple industries. Businesses face increased compliance complexity, supply‑chain disruption and the need to adapt investment and sourcing decisions as governments recalibrate trade rules and duties.
UN projects slightly slower global growth, with higher U.S. tariffs weighing on Europe
A new UN outlook forecasts **global economic growth of 2.7% in 2026**, down slightly from 2025. The report notes that European Union growth is expected to ease from 1.5% to 1.4%, in part due to **higher U.S. tariffs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty**, factors that are material for multinational corporate planning.