FourPoint Resources, Quantum Capital and Kayne Anderson completes the acquisition of Uinta Basin assets of Ovintiv for $2bn.

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AMERICAS

Altair Engineering stockholders approve the proposed acquisition by Siemens. (Press Release)

Altair Engineering, an American information technology company, announced its stockholders voted to adopt the $10.6bn acquisition agreement with Siemens Industry Software, a subsidiary of German multinational technology conglomerate Siemens, according to press releases.

Altair is advised by Citigroup, JP Morgan (led by Drago Rajkovic), Davis Polk & Wardwell (led by Alan F. Denenberg and Michael Gilson) and Lowenstein Sandler (led by Brendan Koeth). Financial advisors are advised by Alston & Bird (led by Stuart Rogers). Siemens is advised by Goldman Sachs (led by Wolfgang Fink), Latham & Watkins (led by James Gorton and Stephan F. Hufnagel) and FTI Consulting. Goldman Sachs is advised by Sullivan & Cromwell (led by Carsten Berrar and York Schnorbus), according to Mergerlinks data and press releases.

Aptiv to spin-off its electrical distribution systems business.

Aptiv, a technology company enabling a more safe, green and connected future, agreed to spin-off its electrical distribution systems business, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Aptiv is advised by Centerview Partners, Goldman Sachs and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison (led by Steven Williams), according to Mergerlinks data and press releases.

MPE Partners completes the investment in SKB Cases.

MPE Partners, a private equity firm, completed the investment in SKB Cases, a manufacturer of specialty protective cases, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

SKB Cases was advised by JP Morgan and Glaser Weil (led by Matthew J. Jann). MPE Partners was advised by Jones Day (led by Lisa Lathrop), according to press releases.

Cadence Bank to acquire FCB Financial for $104m.

Cadence Bank, a regional banking franchise, agreed to acquire FCB Financial, the bank holding company for First Chatham Bank, for $104m, according to press releases.

FCB Financial is advised by Janney Montgomery Scott and Alston & Bird, according to press releases.

Gainline Capital Partners completes the acquisition of M&M International.

Gainline Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in US-based middle-market companies, completed the acquisition of M&M International, a manufacturer precision-engineered small-diameter stainless steel tubing for mission-critical medical device applications, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Gainline Capital was advised by Willkie Farr & Gallagher (led by Justin Sommerkamp), according to Mergerlinks data.

Orkila Capital and Bolt Ventures completes the investment in Cast Iron Media.

Orkila Capital, a growth equity investment firm, and Bolt Ventures, a family-owned venture capital firm, completed the investment in Cast Iron Media, a sports streaming and advertising company that specializes in delivering targeted ads, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Cast Iron Media was advised by Jefferies & Company, according to press releases.

American Pacific completes the investment in ServerLIFT.

American Pacific, a private equity firm, completed the investment in ServerLIFT, a manufacturer of purpose-built material handling and lifting equipment for critical IT infrastructure, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

American Pacific was advised by Jones Day (led by Joseph Hatina), according to Mergerlinks data.

Adecco-backed Akkodis completes the acquisition of Raland Compliance Partners.

Adecco-backed Akkodis, a digital engineering company, completed the acquisition of Raland Compliance Partners, a specialist provider of quality and regulatory compliance services to the life sciences industry, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Ridgemont Equity-backed eShipping completes the acquisition of IL2000.

Ridgemont Equity-backed eShipping, a tech-enabled provider of managed transportation and logistics services, completed the acquisition of IL2000, a managed transportation services provider, according to press releases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

MrBeast discussing TikTok bid with ‘several’ interested buyers. (Bloomberg)

MrBeast, the highly popular YouTube creator and internet’s top-earning content star, is in discussions with multiple groups exploring bids to acquire TikTok ahead of a potential ban.

Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has not committed to any specific effort but is engaging with various parties to align himself with a successful bid. One group, announced on January 21, consists of American investors organized by tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, the founder of Employer.com.

General Atlantic CEO says he is optimistic on TikTok deal in the US. (Reuters)

The CEO of investment firm General Atlantic, who also serves on the board of TikTok's parent company, expressed optimism on January 23 about reaching a deal to allow the short-video app to continue operating in the United States.

On January 20, newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump signed an executive order postponing the enforcement of TikTok's ban by 75 days. The app had originally been set to shut down in the US on January 19.

TikTok weighs non-sale options, ByteDance’s Ford says. (Bloomberg)

ByteDance is exploring options to keep TikTok operational in the US without selling its local operations, according to board member Bill Ford.

The Chinese company is considering solutions that may include a change of control in the US to ensure compliance with local legislation.

Supplements company Physician's Choice explores sale. (Reuters)

Physician's Choice, a US-based producer of supplements and probiotics, is exploring a potential sale that could value the company at more than $500m.

The founder-owned company, which claims to be the best-selling probiotic on Amazon.com, has enlisted investment bank CG Sawaya Partners to manage the sale process. Physician's Choice generates approximately $200m in annual revenue.

Ontario Teachers’ CEO sees chance to snap Up cheap European assets. (Bloomberg)

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is shifting its focus toward European markets while many other investors concentrate on the US, according to its CEO.

“A lot of the Americans at the moment are actually saying, ‘I only want to be in the US.’ To me, that’s great news — I’ll just fill my boots in Europe,” Jo Taylor, OTPP CEO.

Abu Dhabi’s MGX helps bankroll Trump’s $100bn AI plan. (Bloomberg)

A day after his inauguration, US President Donald Trump announced a $100bn initiative to fund artificial intelligence infrastructure, supported by three tech giants: OpenAI, SoftBank Group, and Oracle.

Also involved in the venture is an Abu Dhabi-based firm, MGX, which has drawn attention due to its influential backer, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Tahnoon, the UAE’s national security advisor and brother of the country’s president, oversees a $1.5tn empire that includes wealth funds and the leading regional AI company, G42.

Morgan Stanley CEO Pick sees comeback in M&A activity on horizon. (Bloomberg)

Morgan Stanley CEO Ted Pick said that pent-up demand, especially among private equity firms, is expected to drive a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions activity.

“Part of the dilemma is that the vernacular of whether we’re really moving with animal spirits is whether we see a bunch of M&A prints,” Pick noted.

Cathie Wood sees Trump agenda reviving US IPOs. (Bloomberg)

Cathie Wood is optimistic that Donald Trump’s regulatory and growth-focused agenda will rejuvenate the US initial public offering market.

“Regulatory changes will go a long way to bringing back public markets. I understand why companies want to stay private. The regulatory quagmire they face in public markets creates significant friction," Cathie Wood, ARK Investment Management Founder.

Frontenac closes oversubscribed fund XIII at $900m. (Press Release)

Frontenac, a Chicago-based private equity firm, today announced the closing of its 13th fund, Frontenac XIII Private Capital at $900m of committed capital.

"It is incredibly meaningful to see our firm's investing approach, team and hard work resonate in the market. We are grateful for the enduring support from our existing investors and the confidence they have demonstrated in our team and in our strategy. We are also pleased to welcome a diverse group of high-quality new LPs that serve to deepen our investor base, especially amid challenges in the broader fundraising
environment," Walter Florence, Ron Kuehl, Michael Langdon, Frontenac
Managing Partners.

Frontenac was advised by Harris Williams & Co and Kirkland & Ellis.

EMEA

SKKY Partners completes the acquisition of the minority stake in 111SKIN.

SKKY Partners, a private equity firm, completed the acquisition of the minority stake in 111SKIN, a skincare brand. Financial terms were not disclosed, according to press releases.

SKKY Partners was advised by Goldman Sachs and Raymond James, according to press releases.

GP Günter Papenburg and TSR Recycling to acquire Salzgitter for $1.2bn.

GP Günter Papenburg, a company that provides construction services, and TSR Recycling, a company that provides recycling of steel scrap and non-ferrous metals, agreed to acquire Salzgitter, a steel production company, for $1.2bn, according to press releases.

Bain said to mull €1.5bn sale of chemicals firm Italmatch. (Bloomberg)

Bain Capital is exploring a potential sale of Italmatch Chemicals, which could be valued at approximately €1.5bn ($1.6bn).

The US private equity firm is working with advisers to evaluate options for the Italian specialty chemicals company. Based in Genoa, Italmatch is likely to attract interest from both industry players and financial investors.

Historically, Bain Capital has worked with Kirkland & Ellis, Goldman Sachs, Stanton PRM and Ropes & Gray, according to MergerLinks data.

Turkey’s wealth fund mulls buying LetterOne’s Turkcell stake. (Bloomberg)

Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund is exploring the purchase of the 19.8% stake in Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri held by LetterOne, which is partially owned by sanctioned Russian billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven.

As Turkcell’s largest shareholder, TWF has initiated discussions with LetterOne regarding a potential offer for the stake. However, it remains uncertain whether LetterOne is open to selling its shares in Turkey’s largest wireless carrier by market value.

HongShan nears $1.1bn deal to acquire rock icon Marshall. (Bloomberg)

HongShan Capital Group is close to finalizing a deal to acquire iconic audio equipment maker Marshall Group.

The transaction could value the Stockholm-based company, known for its guitar amplifiers used by legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Lana Del Rey, at approximately $1.1bn. The founding Marshall family is expected to retain a partial stake in the business as part of the deal.

Historically, HongShan Capital has worked with Fangda Partners, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and Linklaters, according to MergerLinks data.

Turkish steelmaker Tosyali seeks to buy European producer. (soz)

Turkish steelmaker Tosyali is seeking to acquire a European producer to expand its green steel business while progressing multi-billion-dollar projects in Saudi Arabia and Africa.

“We are looking for companies in a similar condition to the one we acquired in Spain last year,” Fuat Tosyali, Tosyali CEO. He is referencing the purchase of Baika Steel Tubular System, which increased the company’s spiral steel pipe production capacity from 150k to 240k tons annually. The potential acquisition could be valued at up to $500m.

Prosus CEO Bloisi has $20bn, is ready to spend in Europe. (Bloomberg)

Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi stated that the technology investor has nearly $20bn available for investments and is prepared to expand its presence in Europe.

Bloisi oversees both Amsterdam-based Prosus and its South African parent company, Naspers, which already hold substantial stakes in European firms, including Germany's Delivery Hero. However, recent deals have primarily focused on higher-growth markets, such as an initial public offering in India and a $1.7bn acquisition of a travel agency in Brazil.

Angola plans to sell stakes in biggest telecom company, banks this year. (Bloomberg)

Angola plans to sell stakes in its largest telecommunications company, Unitel, as well as two banks in the coming months to attract investors.

“In the coming months, we are privatizing our telecommunications company Unitel. Part of it is being done through the stock exchange,” Jose de Lima Massano, Minister of State for Economic Coordination.

Merck says high asset prices call for prudent M&A approach. (Reuters)

The CEO of Germany’s Merck, Belen Garijo, stated that a recovery in sales growth within its existing business allows the company to take a cautious approach toward acquisitions, given high market valuations.

“We need to stay prudent and patient because our business is returning to growth organically. We are not in a rush,” Belen Garijo, Merck CEO.

Saudi Arabia weighs global mining deals as sector consolidates. (Bloomberg)

Saudi Arabia is pursuing mining deals to secure critical minerals essential for its industrialization efforts, as the sector experiences a wave of consolidation.

“Joining the consolidation drive could be a good way of entering the market or gaining access to different assets in a more structured way,” Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

Permira, Blackstone weigh multi-billion-euro Mobile.de IPO. (Reuters)

Buyout firms Permira and Blackstone are considering a multi-billion-euro initial public offering of German online auto marketplace Mobile.de.

Mobile.de is a subsidiary of Norway's Adevinta, which was taken private in 2023 through a €13.6bn buyout led by the two private equity firms. Discussions with advisers are underway about a potential listing in 2026. The company could be valued at up to €10bn ($10.4bn).

Saudi Arabian online brokerage lines up Riyadh listing. (Press Release)

Derayah Financial has announced plans for an initial public offering in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of what is anticipated to be a busy year for listings in the kingdom.

The online brokerage and trading platform intends to list a 20% stake on the Riyadh stock exchange, with the price range set to be disclosed on February 2.

BBVA set to name new internal chief for Banco Sabadell deal. (Bloomberg)

BBVA is preparing to appoint a new leader for the team managing its potential acquisition of smaller rival Banco Sabadell.

The Spanish lender has selected Jordi Garcia Bosch to head the Integration Office, the team responsible for coordinating the merger process should the takeover bid be successful.

APAC

Fosun Pharma terminates the acquisition of the remaining 40.44% stake in Henlius for HKD5.4bn.

Fosun Pharma, a Chinese listed pharmaceutical company, terminated the acquisition of the remaining 40.44% stake in Henlius, a global biopharmaceutical company, for HKD5.4bn ($693m), according to press releases.

Bain Capital raised its bid for Insignia Financial to A$3.07bn. (ASX Announcement)

Bain Capital matched an offer from CC Capital Partners for Insignia Financial at A$4.60 ($2.89) a share, as the bidding frenzy for the Australian wealth management firm heated up. Insignia is at about A$3.1bn ($1.9bn), according to press releases.

Insignia is advised by Citigroup, Gresham and King & Wood Mallesons. Bain Capital is advised by FTI Consulting (led by Stuart Carson), according to Mergerlinks data and press releases.

DAZN Group secured a $1.1bn loan to support its acquisition of Foxtel. (Bloomberg)

British sports streaming company DAZN Group has secured a $1.1bn loan to support its acquisition of Australia's Foxtel Group. The loan is backed by nine banks, including Citigroup, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Societe Generale. This financing signals a strong start for M&A activity in the Asia-Pacific region.

DAZN Group is advised by Latham & Watkins (led by Patrick Mitchell) and Community Group (led by Auro Palomba). News Corporation is advised by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher (led by Saee Muzumdar), according to Mergerlinks data and press releases.

Shareholders of apparel retailers Myer and Premier approved merger. (ASX Announcement)

Shareholders of Australian apparel retail firms Myer and Premier Investments approved the merger of Premier's apparel brands with Myer, in a AUD946m ($593m) deal, according to press releases.

More than 96% of votes cast by Myer shareholders favoured the combination, while over 99% of votes approved the merger at Premier's meeting.

Myer is advised by Barrenjoey Capital Partners and Clayton Utz. Premier is advised by UBS and Arnold Bloch Leibler (led by Jeremy Leibler), according to Mergerlinks data and press releases.

Major shareholder excluded in Korea Zinc shareholders' meeting amid takeover battle. (Reuters)

Korea Zinc held a special shareholders' meeting on January 23 to elect new board members, marking the latest development in a contentious four-month takeover battle for the world’s leading refined zinc producer.

During the meeting, which was delayed by several hours, Korea Zinc’s management declared that its rival and major shareholder Young Poong did not have voting rights. This announcement sparked objections from representatives of Young Poong and its takeover partner, private equity firm MBK Partners.

Historically, MBK Partners has worked with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Morgan Stanley, White & Case and Goldman Sachs, according to MergerLinks data.

Philippine water company Maynilad hires banks for over $500m IPO. (Reuters)

Maynilad Water Services has engaged Morgan Stanley and UBS to assist with a planned initial public offering in the Philippines, aiming to raise over $500m.

The IPO could launch as early as this year or in 2026 and is expected to value the Philippine water and wastewater services provider at more than $3bn.

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