Google Cloud and Palo Alto Networks have significantly expanded their strategic partnership in a deal reportedly approaching $10 billion, making it Google Cloud’s largest security services agreement to date. What stands out: This is more than a cloud contract — it’s a signal. As enterprises accelerate AI deployment, security is becoming the primary gatekeeper, not...
Bill Ackman–backed Howard Hughes Holdings has agreed to acquire specialty insurer Vantage Group for $2.1 billion, marking a decisive step beyond pure real estate development. The transaction will be funded with cash and up to $1 billion in preferred financing from Pershing Square, reinforcing Ackman’s long-stated ambition to transform Howard Hughes into a diversified holding...
2025 marked the strongest U.S. IPO year since 2021, with nearly $75bn raised and blockbuster debuts like Medline (+41% day one), Circle, and Figma reigniting enthusiasm. But first-day hype has often diverged sharply from post-IPO reality. 🔍 What the data shows 📉 Examples: 📈 Exceptions exist: Key takeaway:The IPO window is open — but pricing...
Nasdaq expects a significantly stronger year ahead for IPOs, led by $1bn+ listings as market confidence returns, according to its global head of listings. 📈 Key signals from 2025: Despite tariff-driven volatility and a government shutdown earlier in the year, IPO activity rebounded sharply in the second half, with names like Medline, CoreWeave and SailPoint...
Germany has unveiled a €30 billion Deutschlandfonds, a state-backed investment initiative designed to mobilise up to €130 billion in private capital and reinvigorate Europe’s largest economy after years of stagnation. Coordinated by the finance and economy ministries and implemented via KfW, the fund will deploy guarantees, loans and equity stakes to de-risk private investment. Notably,...
Activist hedge fund Corvex Management has taken a 6% stake in Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn, and is calling for a full strategic review of the group’s direction and its £3.5bn capital investment plan. Corvex argues that Whitbread’s current market valuation fails to reflect the true value of its assets — including its UK...