Latest Corporate News
Global M&A deal value and megadeals surge toward pre‑pandemic levels
Research from WTW shows **726 global deals over $100 million** closed in 2025, up from 710 in 2024, signaling a return to pre‑pandemic M&A volumes. Total completed deal value rose **11% to $933 billion**, with large deals over $1 billion up 14% to 201 transactions and average big‑deal size hitting $2.9 billion in the second half of 2025.
Lazard sees strong M&A momentum and more portfolio spin‑offs in 2026
Lazard’s 2025 M&A review notes a **40% increase in announced global M&A deal value in 2025**, with momentum expected to carry into 2026 despite policy uncertainty. The firm highlights rising **divestitures and spin‑offs**, including Holcim’s $30 billion Amrize spin and Sanofi’s €16 billion Opella divestiture, as companies pivot from conglomerates to focused portfolios.
Hillenbrand shareholders approve $32-per-share buyout by Lone Star Funds
Hillenbrand announced that approximately **99% of votes cast**, representing about **83% of outstanding shares**, approved its acquisition by an affiliate of Lone Star Funds. Under the agreement, shareholders will receive **$32.00 in cash per share**, with closing expected by the end of Q1 2026, subject to remaining conditions and regulatory approvals.
Global M&A performance gap with organic growth narrows sharply
WTW’s Quarterly Deal Performance Monitor finds that companies doing deals in 2025 **underperformed non‑deal peers by just -0.5 percentage points**, a major improvement from -10.9 points in 2024. About **32% of acquirers outperformed** their regional markets, helped by robust equity markets, rate reductions and accelerated AI adoption, pointing to more confidence in strategic M&A.
Beauty sector M&A and private equity activity poised to accelerate in 2026
Sector analysis indicates **beauty M&A is set to accelerate in 2026**, helped by easing macro uncertainty and pressure on private equity to deploy capital. Recent blockbuster deals such as **rhode–e.l.f. Beauty, Kering–L’Oréal and Kimberly‑Clark–Kenvue** are cited as markers of renewed appetite, with science‑led beauty, fragrance and hybrid categories expected to lead transactions.
IPOs and exits forecast to pick up as dealmaking environment improves
Venture and growth‑equity commentary highlights that 2025 saw headline transactions such as **Google’s $32 billion acquisition of Wiz**, but exit volumes remained uneven. Looking ahead, market participants expect **a more active IPO calendar and stronger M&A exit environment in 2026**, supported by improved financing conditions and pent‑up seller demand.
Macro data and early earnings reports set tone for new corporate results season
Market commentary highlights that the new earnings season is beginning with key U.S., European and Asian corporates, providing early read‑outs on **demand, margins and 2026 guidance**. Investors are watching U.S. labor data, inflation in major economies and central bank signals alongside corporate results to gauge impacts on profitability, funding costs and sector rotation.
Trump administration targets institutional buyers in U.S. single‑family housing
President Trump announced plans to **ban large institutional investors from purchasing single‑family homes**, saying he will ask Congress to codify the measure. Shares of single‑family rental firms, including Blackstone‑linked and listed landlords like Invitation Homes and American Homes 4 Rent, dropped about **4%** on the news, underscoring potential structural changes to the U.S. housing investment landscape.
Energy and industrial dealmaking buoyed by AI‑driven power demand
Lazard’s outlook notes that **power and energy M&A in 2025 was robust**, featuring transformational deals such as Constellation’s $26.6 billion announced acquisition of Calpine to build the largest U.S. clean power producer. Rising **electricity demand from AI and data centers** is cited as a key strategic driver, alongside large industrial combinations like Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern.
Corporate focus on AI intensifies across IPOs, tech supply chains and strategy
Bloomberg reporting highlights strong investor focus on **TSMC and Samsung**, as well as Chinese AI firm **MiniMax’s Hong Kong IPO**, which raised about $619 million and debuted strongly. Across markets, companies are tying capital allocation, capacity expansion and M&A to AI‑related demand, from semiconductors and infrastructure to software platforms.
G7 policy discussions and geopolitical risks shape corporate planning and capex
Macro commentary flags the upcoming G7 finance ministers’ meeting, where **supply chains, strategic commodities and industrial policy** will be central topics for corporates and investors. Persistent geopolitical turbulence and shifting trade policies are influencing boardroom decisions on capital expenditure, reshoring, and M&A strategy heading into 2026.