Latest Corporate News

📅February 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Corporate sector sees intense M&A activity, Trump tariff hikes to 15%, DOJ probes Netflix-Warner merger, insurance broker consolidations, and US investor stock withdrawals.
1

Trump Raises Global Tariffs to 15% Effective Immediately

President Donald Trump has increased US global tariffs from 10% to 15% effective immediately, impacting imports worldwide. This move doubles down on protectionist policies amid legal challenges.Source 1Source 5 Businesses face higher costs, with small importers like wine merchant Victor Schwartz celebrating a related Supreme Court win against prior tariffs.Source 3

2

DOJ Investigates Netflix's Power in Warner Bros. Merger Review

The US Department of Justice issued a broad subpoena probing Netflix's leverage over filmmakers in its proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The review exceeds standard processes and could delay the deal, benefiting rival bidder Paramount Skydance.Source 8 Netflix spends $20 billion annually on programming from third-party studios.Source 8

3

Small Business Owner Victor Schwartz Wins Supreme Court Tariff Case Against Trump

Wine importer VOS Selections, led by Victor Schwartz, prevailed in a Supreme Court case challenging Trump's tariff hikes, potentially unlocking $134 billion in refunds for importers. Unlike big corporations, small firms bore heavy costs without passing them on.Source 3 The ruling highlights risks of executive overreach on trade.Source 3

4

TLGY Acquisition Corp. Registration Effective for StablecoinX Merger

TLGY Acquisition Corp. announced the effectiveness of its registration statement for a business combination with StablecoinX and StablecoinX Assets Inc., targeting closure in Q1 2026. The deal focuses on infrastructure for the Ethena protocol.Source 4 This milestone advances the blank-check company's growth plans.Source 4

5

Insurance Broker M&A Surge Continues into 2026 with Inszone, BroadStreet Leading

Inszone Insurance nears 50 acquisitions by end-2025, expanding to 21 states, while BroadStreet Partners led with 57 deals through Q3 2025. Arthur J. Gallagher closes major buys like Assured Partners on January 1, 2026; activity expected to persist.Source 2 Firms like Alera Group saw 100% growth via acquisitions.Source 2

6

Mars-Kellanova $36B Acquisition Cleared by FTC After Review

Mars Inc.'s $36 billion all-cash buy of Kellanova, expanding snacking portfolios with minimal overlap, received FTC clearance on June 25, 2025. The combined entity projects $36 billion in annual snacking revenue.Source 6 U.S. antitrust review deemed straightforward.Source 6

7

Blackstone Revises $12B Bid for TXNM Energy, Expected Close H2 2026

Blackstone Infrastructure renegotiated its $12 billion acquisition of TXNM Energy (formerly PNM Resources) at $61.25 per share, fully equity-financed. The deal serves 800,000 customers in New Mexico and Texas, pending state approvals.Source 6 It rebounds from prior setbacks.Source 6

8

Johnson & Johnson Acquires Intra-Cellular Therapies for Neuroscience Boost

In January 2025, Johnson & Johnson announced acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies (ITCI) to strengthen its neuroscience and mental health portfolio. The deal enhances J&J's pharmaceutical offerings.Source 6 Details on value were not specified in reports.Source 6

9

US Investors Withdraw Record $75B from Stock Market in Six Months

U.S. investors pulled $75 billion from stocks at the fastest rate in over 16 years, signaling a shift from 'Buy' to 'Bye' amid market uncertainties. This trend reshapes domestic markets.Source 7 Withdrawals reflect caution possibly tied to tariffs and volatility.Source 7

10

CNB Bank and Trust Merges with Heartland Bank on March 1, 2026

The legal merger of CNB Bank and Trust with Heartland Bank and Trust Company is set for March 1, 2026, with systems integrating March 20-22. Customers can expect minimal disruptions initially.Source 9 FAQs and welcome booklets provide transition details.Source 9

11

Trump Urges Netflix to Fire Susan Rice Amid Warner Bros. Bid Battle

Donald Trump called for Netflix to dismiss Susan Rice during its $83 billion Warner Bros. Discovery pursuit, amid rivalry with Paramount Skydance's $108 billion offer. The DOJ reviews antitrust issues; Trump claims non-involvement.Source 10 Paramount cleared a key hurdle.Source 10

12

Highbridge Capital Invests $10.1M in HCM Acquisition Corp

Highbridge Capital Management LLC made a new $10.10 million investment in HCM Acquisition Corp (HCMA) on February 22, 2026. This stake highlights ongoing interest in SPACs and mergers.Source 13 It bolsters the firm's position in acquisition plays.Source 13