Category: Headlines

Tokyo-listed Nippon Paint Holdings is buying Akzo Nobel’s decorative paints business in Southeast Asia for $1.35 billion, nearly three months after its offer to take full control of the maker of Dulux paints was rejected. The deal gives Nippon Paint—controlled by the family of late Singaporean billionaire Goh Cheng Liang—access to Akzo’s operations across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Australia. The transactions are expected to be completed in mid-2027, except for the sale of the Indonesia business, which is slated to close separately in late 2026. Shares of Nippon Paint rose as much as 1.7% in morning trading in Tokyo. “We are excited to welcome these businesses and talented teams to our Group, with our shared ambition to create lasting value for our customers and partners,” Wee Siew Kim, co-president of Nippon Paint, said in a joint statement. “We look forward to building on the strong foundations established by Akzo Nobel, while continuing to deliver the quality, experience and local expertise that customers have come to value.” Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ardianwibisono/2026/10/05/japans-nippon-to-buy-akzos-southeast-asia-decorative-paints-business-for-135-billion/

Boulder, CO, Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lanterne Dx, LLC, a discovery and clinical phase CRO offering histopathology and biomarker validation services to pharmaceutical and biotech customers, today announced it has completed its merger with Flagship Biosciences, Inc., a computational biology, data science, and digital pathology company backed by Ampersand Capital Partners. The combined organization will operate under the Lanterne Dx name.The merger combines Lanterne Dx’s CAP/CLIA-accredited histopathology and biomarker laboratory capabilities with Flagship Biosciences’ expertise in computational pathology, image analysis, and regulatory support. Together, the organizations provide an expanded, integrated platform supporting drug development from early discovery and translational research through clinical development. For customers, the combination offers broader capabilities, increased scientific and technical depth, and a single partner across the histopathology, biomarker, and digital pathology workflow. “This merger reflects our strategy of building a more comprehensive biomarker and digital pathology services platform for our customers,” said Jon Bishop, CEO of Lanterne Dx. “By bringing Flagship Biosciences’ AI-powered image & computational analysis expertise together with Lanterne Dx’s histopathology and biomarker capabilities, we are able to offer a broader, more integrated set of services to our clients. We are proud of what both teams have built and excited for what this combined organization can deliver.” Jon Bishop, founder and CEO of Lanterne Dx, will lead the combined organization as Chief Executive Officer. Tom Turi PhD, CEO of Flagship Biosciences, will retire by the end of the year following the close of the transaction. “Joining forces with Lanterne Dx is a logical next step for Flagship Biosciences and its customers,” said Tom Turi. “I have great confidence in Jon and the team to build on the platform we’ve created together. I’m deeply grateful for my time at Flagship, and I’m looking forward to beginning this next chapter.” Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/10/05/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/lanterne-dx-completes-merger-with-flagship-biosciences-expanding-biomarker-and-digital-pathology-capabilities/2439245

Paramount has completed its takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, uniting two of Hollywood’s most storied studios in a media empire spanning television, news and cinema under the control of David Ellison. The combined company, renamed Skydance, brings together Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Pictures, the CBS News and CNN networks, and the HBO and CBS television brands. Mr Ellison plans to eventually merge the Paramount+ and HBO Max streaming services over time. “Today is a historic day, not just for Skydance but for our entire industry,” said Mr Ellison, whose ultra-wealthy family has ties to US President Donald Trump. Skydance shares began trading Tuesday, local time, on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “SKYD,” while Warner Bros Discovery shareholders will receive about $US31 ($44) per share in cash. The deal closed less than a week after a federal judge in California approved a settlement between Paramount and 12 US states that had sued to block the transaction on antitrust grounds. Paramount won a bidding war against Netflix in February for Warner Bros Discovery, and the Trump administration approved the deal, one of the largest-ever media mergers, in June without demanding a change to its business. Skydance, which will have nearly $US70 billion ($100.8 billion) in annual revenue, said it was targeting more than $US6 billion ($8.6 billion) in cost savings within three years. Mr Ellison will serve as chairman and CEO, with former Mattel chief Ynon Kreiz as co-CEO in charge of day-to-day operations and integrating the two businesses. The deal was backed by $US47 billion ($67.3 billion) in new equity led by the Ellison family, private equity firm RedBird Capital and the sovereign wealth funds of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. David Ellison’s father, billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, provided major funding and a guarantee to lenders backing the deal. The Ellison family holds the largest equity stake in Skydance. Opponents in the movie industry said the combined company would slash jobs in a Hollywood already under pressure and reduce the number of films produced every year, while news media groups feared CNN’s independence could be compromised. The decree includes several safeguards on these issues, including a board meant to protect CNN’s editorial independence. Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-07/paramount-takes-over-warner-bros-to-form-skydance/107236848

South Korea plans to merge its five state-owned power generation companies—KOEN, KOMIPO, KOWEPO, KOSPO and EWP—into a single KEPCO subsidiary by October 1, 2027. The five Gencos operate around 53 GW of generation capacity. The merger aims to improve operational efficiency while accelerating the country’s energy and just transition. Headquarters staffing will be reduced from around 2,400 to 1,800, with approximately 600 employees redeployed to new regional renewable energy divisions focused on solar and wind development. The government plans special legislation to facilitate the merger and expects to complete corporate registration and executive appointments in September 2027, ahead of the official launch in October. Source: https://ocean-energyresources.com/2026/09/13/merge-of-five-state-owned-power-generation-companies/

Temasek-backed Climate Impact X, or CIX, and UK-based Carbonplace said they intend to merge, combining a carbon market exchange with infrastructure for credit settlement and portfolio management in an effort to build a broader platform for environmental markets. The transaction, announced Wednesday, is subject to regulatory approval. CIX brings exchange, procurement and price discovery capabilities, while Carbonplace provides access to multiple registries and bank-grade settlement infrastructure. The integration is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. The combination comes as carbon markets face pressure to improve transparency, liquidity and confidence. The companies said higher standards for market integrity and the growing importance of mechanisms including CORSIA and Article 6 are increasing the need for infrastructure that can connect different markets, jurisdictions and standards. Source: https://carbonherald.com/climate-impact-x-and-carbonplace-to-merge-as-carbon-markets-seek-greater-scale/

Sunda Energy (LSE:SNDA) reported progress on its proposed acquisition of Matahio Energy NZ’s onshore Taranaki oil and gas portfolio during the first half of 2026, while its Chuditch production sharing contract in Timor-Leste entered a 120-day remedy period following a regulatory notice. The proposed New Zealand transaction remains conditional and would add assets producing approximately 1,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, alongside proven and contingent reserves and exploration prospects. Sunda said financing for the acquisition has been secured, including funding backed by directors. Government approval for the change of control is expected in late September or early October 2026. Operational preparations for the acquired portfolio are already under way, including planning for the Oru-2 exploration well and the proposed restart of production from the Puka field. Chuditch PSC Faces Termination NoticeIn Timor-Leste, Sunda’s subsidiary continued work on the Chuditch gas discovery and secured an environmental licence as part of preparations for the proposed Chuditch-2 appraisal well. The company has also been pursuing a rig-sharing arrangement for the planned well. However, the regulator issued a notice of intention to terminate the Chuditch production sharing contract after drilling commitments were not met. The notice triggered a 120-day period during which the matter can be remedied. The future of the PSC therefore remains subject to the outcome of that process. Technical Work Begins in the PhilippinesSunda also commenced detailed technical studies and seismic reprocessing across its licences in the Philippines during the period. The company completed a capital reorganisation as it continued work across its New Zealand, Timor-Leste and Philippine portfolio. Completion of the Matahio Energy NZ acquisition remains subject to the applicable conditions and government approval, while further activity at Chuditch depends on the outcome of the PSC remedy process and arrangements for the proposed appraisal well. More about Sunda Energy PlcSunda Energy Plc is an AIM-quoted upstream oil and gas company with activities across the Asia-Pacific region. Its portfolio includes the Chuditch gas discovery in Timor-Leste and exploration licences in the Philippines. The company has also agreed to acquire producing and exploration assets in New Zealand, subject to completion of the transaction. Its activities include oil and gas production, appraisal and exploration, as well as technical studies, seismic reprocessing and preparations for drilling programmes. Source: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/sunda-energy-advances-zealand-acquisition-071459713.html

HiTech Group has completed its acquisition of Hudson Global Resources’ Australian operations, snapping up the IT staffing firm’s contractor book, customer contracts and operating assets ahead of Hudson’s planned liquidation on 15 September. The move follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) granting unconditional Phase 1 clearance in respect of the IT staffing firm’s proposed acquisition of certain assets of Hudson Global Resources, which entered voluntary administration in April 2026. HiTech announced in July that it planned to acquire the company’s Australian operations and selected business assets from its administrators. “This acquisition is a significant step forward for our highly successful HiTech Group, but its value rests with the people and their expertise who join us today,” HiTech Managing Director and CEO, Elias Hazouri, said in a press release. “Hudson’s teams have built trusted relationships with customers, candidates and contractors over four decades and they have continued to deliver to a high standard through a demanding period.” Since HiTech’s previous announcement on 4 September, the parties have agreed to reduce the upfront component of the consideration by approximately AUD 950,000 (USD 680,836) to just over AUD 4.801 million, less employee entitlements. It has also agreed to increase the maximum deferred consideration by approximately AUD 950,000 to AUD 3.948 million. The Australian IT staffing provider has already paid an AUD 1.25 million deposit. After adjusting for the employee entitlements, the upfront consideration payable on completion of the deal is approximately AUD 3.85 million. The parties have also agreed that the deferred consideration is now payable within nine months of completion rather than six months, subject to future margin generation hurdles achieved by the acquired business assets. The deal was structured as an asset acquisition out of administration, allowing HiTech to acquire Hudson’s operating assets, customer contracts and contractor book while limiting exposure to historical liabilities. HiTech funded the upfront consideration from its existing cash reserves, together with a committed debt facility. An additional credit line will support ongoing payroll obligations. Due to the administration process and the liquidation of Hudson, which is set to start on 15 September, the transaction has progressed on an accelerated timetable to completion. HiTech said it remained focused on ensuring continuity of service, supporting its customers, employees and contractor base, and compliance during this period. Integration will be phased, with shared services and systems consolidated where operationally practical. HiTech expects these efficiencies to support the earnings accretion anticipated from the acquisition. The acquisition represents an important step in HiTech’s strategy to build a diversified national ICT (information and communications technology) professional services and workforce solutions platform. “That capability, vigour and resilience is what we have acquired and it is what will lead the success of this transaction,” Hazouri said. “When you combine this rare capability with the experts at HiTech, you form what is an incomparable standard in the industry. We are pleased to welcome our new members to the HiTech family, and our commitment to them is certainty, support and the backing of a business with the stability to invest in their future.” In August, HiTech reported operating revenue of AUD 65.9 million for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2026, a decrease of 3.2% over the previous corresponding period. Hudson Australia has a 40-year history with operations across the country. Through the Hudson and UpperGround brands, the business provides recruitment, contracting and talent advisory services across IT, professional recruitment, business support, project services and executive search. Hudson Global Resources is unrelated to the US-based Hudson Global, which merged last year with Star Equity Holdings. Source: https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/hitech-wraps-hudson-australia-acquisition-as-liquidation-looms

Singapore’s Competition and Consumer Commission (CCS) has given its nods to Texas Instruments’ proposed $7.5 billion acquisition of fellow US chipmaker Silicon Laboratories, finding that the deal poses no substantial lessening of competition in Singapore or globally. Under the transaction, Texas Instruments would pay $231 per share in cash for Silicon Labs. The parties filed their notification with CCS on June 9, 2026. The commission formally accepted the application on July 3, conducted a public consultation, and issued its decision on August 7, less than two months from the initial filing. Singapore’s review was triggered because both companies acknowledged their activities extend to and include Singapore, bringing the combination within the scope of the Competition Act 2004. Singapore operates a voluntary merger notification regime, though the companies were under no legal obligation to file but did so to secure legal certainty. In a statement last Friday, the CCS said it assessed five product areas where the two companies overlap: wireless connectivity system-on-chips, non-wireless microcontroller units, power management integrated circuits, sensors, and USB bridges. The CCS concluded that the two firms are not each other’s closest competitors, that the prevalence of individually negotiated pricing and the number of global rivals makes coordinated conduct unlikely. The merged company would lack sufficient market power to foreclose competitors, the CCS said. Texas Instruments and Silicon Labs described themselves in their submissions as modest players in a fragmented global market with complementary activities. Texas Instruments aims to complete the transaction in the first half of next year. Source: https://technode.global/2026/08/11/singapore-okays-texas-instruments-7-5b-acquisition-of-silicon-labs-amid-fragmented-global-market/

Strategic and financial investors were shortlisted as the auction for Lotte’s non-core business gathers momentum. KCC Glass Corp. is among a small group of bidders competing to acquire Lotte Chemical Corp.’s building materials business, as the South Korean petrochemicals producer presses ahead with asset sales to strengthen its balance sheet. Source: https://www.kedglobal.com/mergers-acquisitions/newsView/ked202607230006

Key Takeaways Alfasigma has entered into a share purchase agreement with Sever Life Sciences B.V. to acquire 100% of Nordic Group BV, known as Nordic Pharma, and its subsidiaries, the companies announced. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction will add Nordic Pharma’s specialty pharmaceutical portfolio, including products in ophthalmology, women’s health, critical care, and rheumatology, to Alfasigma’s operations. In its ophthalmology portfolio, Nordic Pharma is the maker of the Lacrifill Canalicular Gel, a CE-marked and FDA-cleared medical device for lacrimal occlusion. It is a transparent and sterile gel made of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, intended to block tear drainage by occlusion of the canalicular system. Lacrifill is indicated for use, for up to 6 months, in patients experiencing dry eye symptoms. It is also the maker of Biolon and Biolon Prime ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs). Privately owned Nordic Pharma has direct operations in Europe, Canada, and Japan. The acquisition will expand Alfasigma’s commercial footprint with direct operations in 18 European countries while adding commercial platforms in Canada and Japan. In rheumatology, the transaction adds Nordic Pharma’s established business led by the Nordimet methotrexate franchise. Alfasigma currently markets the Jyseleca franchise, and the company said the combination will strengthen its position in the therapeutic area. The acquisition will also bring approximately 265 Nordic Pharma employees to Alfasigma. “Alfasigma is the right partner for Nordic Pharma as we enter our next phase of growth,” said Charlotte Phelps, CEO of Nordic Group B.V. “We look forward to combining our experience to support patients.” The planned acquisition is consistent with Alfasigma’s merger-and-acquisition strategy as the company expands its international specialty and rare disease operations. Recent transactions include its acquisition of Jyseleca in inflammatory diseases and a licensing agreement with GSK for linerixibat, an investigational treatment for cholestatic pruritus associated with primary biliary cholangitis in adults. Completion of the Nordic Pharma transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including required regulatory clearances. Source: https://eyewire.news/news/alfasigma-expands-presence-in-europe-with-acquisition-of-nordic-pharma-maker-of-lacrifill-canalicular-gel?c4src=article%3Ainfinite-scroll