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ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced it has completed the acquisition of Exact Sciences, establishing Abbott as a leader in fast-growing cancer screening and diagnostics segments and enabling the company to serve millions of additional people. “Abbott’s global scale, track record of operational and commercial excellence and work with healthcare systems around the world will expand access to important tools for early cancer detection and personalized treatments,” said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. “With the legacy and deep expertise of the Exact Sciences team, we’re ready to transform cancer care.” Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, upon completion of the acquisition, Exact Sciences became a wholly owned subsidiary of Abbott. As a result of the completion of the acquisition, March 20, 2026, was the last day of trading of Exact Sciences shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Strategic fit The transaction positions Abbott to advance diagnostics that are more preventative, predictive and personalized while expanding the company’s presence in one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare as global cancer incidence continues to rise. It also adds a new growth vertical to Abbott’s already high-single-digit growth expectations, establishing leadership in the fast-growing $60 billion U.S. cancer screening and precision oncology diagnostics segments. Industry-leading offerings and pipeline Abbott now has a comprehensive suite of products and differentiated pipeline focused on the early detection of cancer and supporting personalized treatments. This includes the Cologuard® test, a market-leading noninvasive colorectal cancer screening option; Oncotype DX®, which informs personalized treatment decisions for patients with early-stage breast cancer; Oncodetect®, a tumor-informed molecular residual disease (MRD) test to help identify cancer recurrence and guide follow-up care; and Cancerguard®, a multi-cancer early detection blood test. Abbott also adds a leading pipeline of next-generation cancer screening and diagnostics designed to detect cancer even earlier, optimize treatment decisions and enable regular monitoring to help people stay healthy and better manage the disease. About Abbott Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Connect with us at abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Source: https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2026-03-23-Abbott-completes-acquisition-of-Exact-Sciences

The merger creates a 45-property platform with 2,500+ rooms, combining Capstone’s management expertise with Marsden’s capital to compete with international operators. Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group are pleased to announce the successful completion of their merger, creating New Zealand’s largest locally owned hotel management platform, with over 40 properties nationwide. The merger combines Capstone’s third-party hotel management expertise with Marsden Group’s capital strength and hospitality investment portfolio, positioning the group to compete directly with international operators and accelerate growth through acquisitions, management agreements, and a stronger presence across regional and metropolitan markets. As part of the transaction, Capstone Hotels & Resorts Limited forms part of the enlarged Marsden Group, operating within a unified group structure. Capstone Hotels & Resorts Limited will continue operating as a distinct brand within the expanded group, preserving its identity and management philosophy while benefiting from greater national reach and shared executive capability. Sajad Bassam is appointed Chief Executive Officer of the combined group, with Founder of Capstone, Clare Davies retaining an equity stake in the business and serving as Chief Operating Officer, while also sitting on the boards of both Capstone and Marsden Group. Sajad Bassam said the merger was about building a platform for strategic long-term growth in New Zealand. “As international hotel operators expand into New Zealand, independent platforms need scale to compete effectively. With Capstone, we are creating a stronger, more scalable group that can pursue opportunities with confidence and deliver long-term value for our owners and partners. Our growth will focus on targeted acquisitions, expanded management agreements, and new development partnerships in key regional and gateway markets,” said Sajad. Clare Davies said the immediate focus was on people and integration. “It’s an exciting milestone for our business. Our focus is on delivering a seamless integration across our systems, people and operating platforms, ensuring continued performance across the portfolio. For our owners and guests, this represents a strengthening of capability behind the scenes, while maintaining complete continuity,” said Clare. The merger of Capstone Hotel Management and Marsden Group is effective 1 April 2026. The enlarged platform brings together national sales capability, consolidated revenue management infrastructure, and enhanced procurement leverage across the combined portfolio. With a national network of approximately 45 properties and more than 2,500 rooms under management and investment oversight, the group has the scale to attract institutional partners, develop strategic relationships, and support sustainable portfolio expansion. Marsden Group’s portfolio of five brands includes Marsden Hotels & Resorts, Ramada, Wyndham Garden, Microtel by Wyndham and now Capstone Hotels & Resorts. Source: https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4131562/capstone-hotel-management-and-marsden-group-merge-to-form-new-zealands-largest-independent-hotel-platform

Heidelberg Materials has announced a binding agreement to acquire the construction materials business of Maas Group Holdings for approximately EUR 1.023 billion. The deal will strengthen its aggregates and concrete capabilities across Eastern Australia. The transaction includes 40 quarries with reserves exceeding 350 million tonnes, 22 ready-mixed concrete plants, two asphalt operations, and a recycling site, along with adjacent activities. Dr Dominik von Achten, Chairman of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials, stated: “We are taking a significant step to expand our business in Australia, focusing on further improving our aggregates capacity and concrete supply capabilities in a core market. This reflects our commitment to a pure-play strategy as a leading global heavy building materials company in the industry.” Strengthening market presence and sustainability With operations spanning New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, Maas Group’s construction materials business employs over 1,000 people. The acquisition is expected to deliver substantial synergies, with an EBITDA multiple of 8.4× based on proforma EBITDA for the next 12 months post-completion. René Aldach, Chief Financial Officer of Heidelberg Materials, highlighted the benefits: “We are complementing our market presence in attractive regions while leveraging substantial synergies. Our growing base of customers along the Eastern Seaboard will particularly benefit from an expanding network of aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mixed concrete sites delivering high-quality, sustainable products.” The acquisition aligns with Heidelberg Materials’ focus on sustainability, with plans to integrate the recycling site into its operations to promote circularity in building materials. Additionally, the deal supports the company’s broader strategy to optimise its portfolio and drive growth in core markets. Regulatory approvals and timeline The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Foreign Investment Review Board, as well as Maas Group shareholder approval. Completion is expected in the second half of 2026, pending satisfaction of these conditions and other customary closing requirements. This acquisition underscores Heidelberg Materials’ ambition to strengthen its role in the Australian construction materials market while advancing its sustainability and circular economy goals. Source: https://www.european-coatings.com/news/markets-companies/heidelberg-materials-expands-australian-footprint-with-maas-group-acquisition/

GlobalData analyst Dr Andrew S Thompson’s states Medtronic could significantly grow Scientia’s micro guidewire franchise if they can replicate its US success on the international stage. Medtronic has agreed to acquire Scientia Vascular in a $550m deal positioned to advance the company’s international presence in the neurovascular guidewire market. Under the agreement, which holds the potential for undisclosed earn-out and milestone payments post-acquisition, Medtronic will inherit the Utah-based company’s portfolio of access microcatheters and micro guidewires. Scientia’s products are used in navigating cerebral vasculature associated with the treatment of various neurovascular conditions. Medtronic anticipates that the products will enable “faster and more reliable” access during treatment procedures for conditions such as acute ischemic stroke. Linnea Burman, senior vice president and president of Medtronic’s neurovascular business, commented: “This acquisition positions Medtronic with a full suite of products. It builds a strong foundation for Medtronic and supports procedures across both haemorrhagic and acute ischemic stroke.” Scientia’s CEO, Rick Randall, stated that its acquisition by Medtronic would allow the company to take its engineering “into disease states globally”. GlobalData analysis reveals that the global interventional neuroradiology market, which includes neurovascular products such as micro guidewires, is growing at a CAGR of 8.6% and projected to reach a valuation of around $9.8bn in 2035, up from $4.3bn in 2025. Source: https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/news/medtronic-to-strengthen-neurovascular-business-with-550m-scientia-vascular-acquisition/?cf-view

Developer of optical pulse oximetry devices for blood oxygen monitoring to join Danaher’s diagnostics segment. Danaher, the NYSE-listed biotechnology and diagnostics company, is to acquire Masimo Corporation, the California-based firm best known for its development of optical pulse oximetry devices widely used in hospitals to monitor blood oxygenation in patients. The near-$10 billion deal brings to a close a tumultuous period for Masimo that saw the company part ways with founder-CEO Joe Kiani and sell its non-healthcare business in audio technology, but also win more than $600 million in damages from Apple for patent infringement. Expansion plansThe two firms say that Masimo will become a standalone business unit and brand within Danaher’s “diagnostics” unit, and will operate autonomously. Masimo’s current CEO Katie Szyman said: “We look forward to joining Danaher and continuing our growth and momentum as the global leader in patient monitoring. Danaher shares our commitment to investing in talent and innovation and will be an ideal fit to help power the next chapter of Masimo. “Importantly, becoming part of Danaher’s Diagnostics segment will strengthen our ability to scale our monitoring technologies globally and accelerate our mission of delivering Masimo innovations that empower clinicians to transform patient care.” Danaher’s CEO Rainer Blair added: “We’ve followed this innovative company for many years and see it as an exceptional strategic fit for Danaher. “Masimo is a leader in pulse oximetry and other patient monitoring solutions, which combined with its trusted brand and differentiated technology, will greatly strengthen our diagnostics franchise. “With the Danaher Business System and our global scale, we see opportunities to expand Masimo’s reach and continue improving outcomes for patients, particularly those in acute care settings.” Diagnostics business unitNews of the agreement sent Masimo’s Nasdaq-listed stock price up in value by more than 30 per cent, with the $180-per-share purchase price last achieved just under a year ago. During their most recent financial update, Masimo’s executive team indicated that the company would likely post sales revenues of just over $1.5 billion in its full-year 2025 results due next week, down from the $2 billion figure for 2024 that also included the non-healthcare audio business. Danaher said that under its ownership, Masimo is expected to generate annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of more than $530 million by 2027. The parent company, which is renowned for its attention to operating efficiencies, says that it expects to realize more than $125 million in cost savings within five years of the acquisition closing, which is currently expected to happen by the end of this year. Joining Danaher’s diagnostics business unit will see the firm come under the same corporate umbrella as Beckman Coulter, pathology specialist Leica Biosystems, and point-of-care blood diagnostics firms HemoCue and Radiometer, as well as molecular testing expert Cepheid, and breast biopsy pioneer Mammotome. Source: https://optics.org/news/17/2/15

US media conglomerate Paramount Skydance announced Friday it will acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valuing the combined company at $110 billion, after beating Netflix in a bruising bidding war. The agreement ends a five-month saga and creates an entertainment behemoth whose impact on a struggling media landscape — and connections to Donald Trump’s White House — will be closely scrutinized. The merged entity will include CNN, CBS, HBO and Nickelodeon as well as some of Hollywood’s most valuable franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, the DC Universe, Mission Impossible and SpongeBob SquarePants. Under the terms of the agreement, Paramount will pay $31.00 per share in cash for all outstanding Warner Bros. shares, implying an equity value of $81 billion — and $110 billion when including the mountain of debt Paramount will take on. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, the companies said. “Our pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery has been guided by a clear purpose: to honor the legacy of two iconic companies while accelerating our vision of building a next-generation media and entertainment company,” said Paramount chairman and CEO David Ellison. The deal closes a battle that ended Thursday when Netflix walked away, unwilling to match Paramount’s latest offer. Wall Street praised the deal, with shares of Paramount up more than 20 percent Friday. Simultaneously, Netflix was up nearly 14 percent, as many investors concluded the fight had not been worth it for the streamer. “Netflix’s withdrawal from the race will leave it free to refocus on its business, while its closest competitors grapple with long and distracting regulatory approval and merger integration processes,” said HSBC analyst Mohammed Khallouf. Questions now pivot to the Ellison family, which will control a constellation of media properties spanning the globe — though at the cost of accumulating a pile of debt. If regulators approve the deal, David Ellison is widely expected to embark on a painful round of cost-cutting to pare down the load. His father, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, one of the world’s richest men, largely financed the takeover, offering a financial guarantee that finally persuaded the Warner Bros. board. Larry Ellison is also a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, who said he would weigh in on the deal. Both Paramount and Netflix sought to curry favor with the White House, with Paramount winning out. The deal still faces regulatory hurdles. The European Commission is reviewing the merger, as are several US states, including California. “Paramount/Warner Bros is not a done deal,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Friday. The Paramount offer includes financing from three Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds — those of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi — which could also attract extra scrutiny on national security concerns. Paramount has offered a $7 billion regulatory termination fee should the deal fail to close on regulatory grounds, and has covered the $2.8 billion breakup fee Warner Bros. Discovery owed Netflix when it walked away from their agreement. Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/finance/news/paramount-skydance-deal-reshapes-warner-100811780.html

SINGAPORE, Feb 11 (Reuters) – Singapore-based consumer dental firm Zenyum and India’s MakeO Toothsi said on Wednesday that they were planning to merge, aiming to create what they called Asia’s leading consumer dental company spanning markets from the Middle East to Japan. The companies said in a statement that the transaction was expected to be completed by the end of February, pending customary approvals. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/zenyum-makeo-toothsi-merge-creating-asian-consumer-dental-group-2026-02-10/

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (STO: SOBI) recently announced that it has entered into an acquisition agreement with Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., which was invested in and incubated by Viva Biotech Holdings. Under the terms of the agreement, Sobi will pay up to US$1.5 billion in total transaction value, including an upfront payment at closing of US$950 million, subject to customary adjustments, and contingent consideration of up to US$550 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. Viva Biotech expects that the Merger will result in an aggregate gain of approximately US$40.0 million. The exact amount will depend on the fulfilment of regulatory and performance milestones. In addition, Arthrosi has also entered into new statement of work (SOW) with the Viva Biotech’s CDMO business unit (Langhua Pharmaceutical) for the supply of active pharmaceutical ingredient, and the Group expects to continue its business cooperation with Arthrosi. Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., a late-stage biotechnology company developing a potentially best-in-class, highly potent and selective next generation URAT1 inhibitor to reduce serum urate (sUA) levels, flares, and dissolve tophi in gout and tophaceous gout patients. The acquisition strengthens Sobi’s gout franchise by adding pozdeutinurad (AR882), an investigational next-generation, once-daily oral URAT1 inhibitor currently being evaluated in two fully recruited global Phase 3 clinical studies for the potential management of progressive and tophaceous gout and expected to read out in 2026. Pozdeutinurad complements Sobi’s pipeline by adding a potentially best-in-class URAT1 inhibitor for patients sub-optimally treated with first-line therapies. Today’s announcement reflects Sobi’s commitment to advancing treatment options for people living with gout. “The acquisition of Arthrosi allows us to expand our gout pipeline with a highly differentiated new asset”, said Guido Oelkers, President and CEO of Sobi. “Pozdeutinurad has the potential to become the therapy of choice for patients who have progressive gout with persistent and unresolved symptoms despite first-line therapy. The product has the potential to materially accelerate our growth until the mid 2030s, and beyond. We welcome all members of the talented Arthrosi team and are looking forward to working closely together to be able to offer this therapy to patients as soon as possible.” “We are thrilled to join forces with Sobi and look forward to working together to ensure a seamless transition as they advance pozdeutinurad towards pivotal data and potential regulatory filings. We believe that Sobi’s global expertise in commercialization will accelerate our shared mission to deliver pozdeutinurad’s potentially transformative benefits for individuals living with gout”, stated Litain Yeh, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Arthrosi Therapeutics. Dr. Han Dai, Chief Innovation Officer and Head of Viva BioInnovator commented “We are very pleased to see Arthrosi reach this milestone with the acquisition by Sobi. Viva Biotech started to participated in Arthrosi from the seed round onward and remained a long-term investors across multiple subsequent rounds. As an industrial partner, Viva Biotech has also maintained long-term and in-depth collaboration with the team in areas across R&D, manufacturing, and global industry resource integration. We have witnessed Arthrosi’s continued focus on solving the unmet medical need of gout, marked by clear and disciplined scientific and clinical decision-making. This acquisition fully reflects the dual realization of industrial and clinical value, further validating the feasibility of Viva Biotech’s investment and industry empowerment model in the global innovative drug sector. We sincerely congratulate Arthrosi and Sobi on their collaboration, and extend sincere congratulations to the two founders of Arthrosi – Dr. Litain Yeh and Dr. Shunqi Yan. We look forward to the continued long-term value creation of this project within a larger industrial platform. And we also thank ApicHope and all shareholders for their continued support and trust throughout the company’s journey.” About Arthrosi Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is focused on developing pozdeutinurad, a potentially best-in-class, highly potent and selective next generation URAT1 inhibitor to reduce serum urate levels, flares and tophi in patients with progressive gout. The rights to pozdeutinurad in Greater China are held by ApicHope. About Sobi Sobi is a global biopharma company unlocking the potential of breakthrough innovations, transforming everyday life for people living with rare diseases. Sobi has approximately 1,900 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. In 2024, revenue amounted to SEK 26 billion. About Viva Biotech Established in 2008, Viva Biotech (01873.HK) provides one-stop services ranging from early-stage Structure-Based Drug R&D to commercial manufacturing to global biopharmaceutical innovators. We offer leading early-stage to late-phase drug discovery expertise by integrating our dedicated team of experts, cutting-edge technology platforms, and state-of-the-art equipment in X-ray crystallization, Cryo-EM, DEL, ASMS, SPR, HDX, AIDD/CADD, and much more. Our business covers all aspects of therapeutic strategies and drug modalities, including small molecules and biologics across the pharma and biotech spectrum. The experienced chemistry team, led by senior medicinal chemists and drug discovery biologists, provides services for drug design, medicinal chemistry (hit to lead and lead optimization), custom synthesis, chemical analysis and purification, kilogram scale-up, peptide synthesis and corresponding bioassays. With our subsidiary, Langhua Pharma, we offer our worldwide pharmaceutical and biotech partners a one-stop integrated CMC (Chemical, Manufacturing, and Control) service from preclinical to commercial manufacturing. Additionally, Viva embedded an equity for service (EFS) model to high potential startups to address unmet medical needs. Source: https://moneyspecial.de/297/news_news.htn?id=45715052&sektion=cision&offset=125

The acquisition strengthens Big River’s national trade network and expands its presence in the high-growth Western Australian construction market. John’s Building Supplies services builders, subcontractors and commercial customers across structural timber, engineered wood, cladding, lining and interior fitout categories. Big River Industries Ltd, a leader in the manufacture and distribution of timber and building products, has acquired the business and assets of John’s Building Supplies, one of Western Australia’s most established trade-focused building materials suppliers. The acquisition strengthens Big River’s national trade network and expands its presence in the high-growth Western Australian construction market. John’s Building Supplies services builders, subcontractors and commercial customers across structural timber, engineered wood, cladding, lining and interior fitout categories. Founded more than 40 years ago, the company has built a strong reputation for service, reliable supply and longstanding customer relationships. Its operations align closely with Big River’s strategy of growing scale in resilient trade-focused segments and increasing its presence in key regional markets. Big River CEO John Lorente said the acquisition represents an important strategic milestone for the business. “John’s Building Supplies is a high-quality Western Australian business with deep relationships and a long track record of supporting the trade,” Lorente said. “This acquisition broadens our presence in a key growth region and strengthens our offering across the structural timber, panels and building materials categories. We have great respect for the business John Lindsay and his family have built, and we look forward to welcoming the team into the Big River Group.” John Lindsay, representing the owners of John’s Building Supplies, said joining Big River marks a natural next step for the company. “Our family has always focused on providing trusted service, quality products and dependable supply to the WA trade market,” Lindsay said. “Big River shares those same values. Becoming part of Big River ensures our customers will continue to receive the personalised service they rely on, while benefiting from the scale, product range and national strength of a larger group.” Existing customers and supplier partners will continue to be serviced without interruption, with both businesses working together to ensure a smooth transition. The existing management team will remain in place to support continuity for staff and customers. Completion of the acquisition is expected on or around 15 December 2025, subject to customary conditions. John’s Building Supplies will continue to operate from its Western Australian site under the Big River network. Western Australia remains one of Australia’s strongest construction markets, supported by ongoing population growth, infrastructure investment and a robust resources sector. The acquisition positions Big River to capture additional demand and further strengthen its service capabilities in the region. Big River has been operating for more than 120 years and manages 24 sites across Australia and New Zealand, supporting the commercial, residential, civil and infrastructure sectors with an extensive range of timber, plywood, panels, formwork and building products. Source: https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/editorial/product-news/acquisition-of-building-materials-company-to-expand-big-river-group-s-wa-trade-network

Malaysian construction giant Sunway has announced a $2.7 billion share-and-cash takeover of competitor IJM Corporation, which would bring together two of Malaysia’s largest property developers. The proposed merger, announced on Jan. 12 by Sunway president Anuar Taib, will form an entity with a combined market capitalization of $11.7 billion, surpassing current leader Gamuda Berhad, valued at $7.2 billion. If the merger goes through, it will create one of Malaysia’s largest property developers as the Southeast Asian country’s construction market heats up amid a data center and infrastructure boom. Both Sunway and IJM are on Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 ranking, which lists the region’s largest companies by revenue. Sunway, at No. 190, generated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2024; IJM, at No. 228, generated $1.3 billion. A merged Sunway-IJM would have 2024 revenue totaling $3 billion, lifting it to No. 120—overtaking Gamuda. In a stock filing in Bursa Malaysia, the country’s stock exchange, Sunway said the merger would “position the enlarged Sunway Group to pursue mega projects such as development of large-scale data centers, industrial facilities and public infrastructure projects.” Malaysia is currently undergoing a boom in data center construction, as regional demand for AI and cloud computing services surge. In 2024, industry consultant DC Byte found that the country was Asia-Pacific’s fastest growing market for data centers. Under the conditional takeover bid, Sunway is proposing to acquire IJM at $0.78 a share—15% higher than its 2025 closing price of $0.68 a share. Shareholders of IJM are being offered 10% in cash and 90% in newly-issued Sunway shares. IJM shares rose 2.9% on Tuesday; Sunway shares are up just 0.2%. Trading in both companies’ shares were suspended on Monday pending the merger announcement. Sunway’s shares are up almost 25% over the past 12 months, ahead of Malaysia’s benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index. Fortune has reached out to Sunway for further comment. A history of developments Sunway is a family-run conglomerate founded in 1974 by Malaysian tycoon Jeffrey Cheah, who is still its key shareholder. The firm is famous for its “build-own-operate” business model and slew of diverse properties including the Sunway Lagoon theme park, Sunway Medical Center, and two educational institutions, Sunway College and Sunway University. IJM was established in 1983, via the merger of three Malaysian construction firms: IGB Construction, Jurutama, and Mudajaya. The firm’s assortment of businesses span construction, property and infrastructure. It built major roads and bridges in Malaysia, including the West Coast Expressway, an interstate highway running along the west coast of the country. Source: https://fortune.com/2026/01/13/sunway-ijm-corporation-merger-malaysia-construction/