Corporate deals

Global M&A value tops US$2.5 trillion after first-half deals surge

A long-anticipated return to private equity dealmaking appears to be derailed, and large institutions are trying to figure out how to navigate geopolitical turmoil and new AI tools.

‘Golden’ or ‘garbage’: Milken signals new private credit era

By sector, real estate led in proceeds raised, up 42.7% at US$3.2 billion, boosted by capital raising from real estate investment trusts.

Singapore investment banking fees climb to US$864.6m in 2025, highest in 4 years

Experts at Dechert note that the “relatively low number” of Apac respondents concerned about geopolitical risk is “somewhat surprising” given the lingering tensions between China and the US.

Apac PE executives are the least fazed by geopolitical uncertainty in dealmaking: report

FCC chair Brendan Carr in February said that he was opening a probe of Verizon for its promotion of DEI programmes and added it could be a factor in the Frontier deal.

Verizon deal to acquire Frontier approved after DEI changes

Shell is evaluating a potential acquisition of BP, but is taking a cautious wait-and-see strategy.

Where are Shell’s animal spirits for a BP deal? 

A Chase Bank outlet in New York City. Bob Diamond, the former CEO of Barclays, says over the next few years, dealmaking will shrink the roughly 4,500 banks in the US down to just 1,000 to 2,000 lenders.
THE BOTTOM LINE

Mega deals won’t lead M&A rebound under Trump

Southwest Airlines has, for now, struck a truce with Elliot Investment Management, heading off a potentially disruptive clash between the carrier and the hedge fund.
THINKING ALOUD

When podcasts become proxy battlefields, time to hit ‘mute’

The timing of the rate cuts by South-east Asian central banks will differ, but the general global trend will be towards lower rates.
COMMENTARY

Sweet spot for deals: M&As in South-east Asia poised for a rebound

EY notes that investors prefer established insurtech companies with a proven track record amid a general flight to safety.

South-east Asia insurtech deals jump over 4 times to US$2.35 billion in 2023 despite fewer transactions: EY