Category: Headlines

Philips has agreed to acquire SpectraWAVE, a Massachusetts-based medical device company focused on technologies to help diagnose and guide treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. SpectraWAVE’s technology specialises in advancing intravascular imaging and physiological assessment with AI. This acquisition positions Philips at the intersection of diagnostic imaging, cardiovascular health, and AI-driven healthcare. This acquisition will strengthen Philips’ presence in the intravascular imaging, physiological assessment, and intravascular ultrasound catheters (IVUS) device market. Leading data and analytics company GlobalData predicts that the global IVUS market will see steady market value growth in the near future, with a compound annual growth rate of 4% over the 2024-2034 period. Currently Philips leads in market share of the global (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, south Central America, and the Middle East and Africa) IVUS market, with 88%. Currently, North America is the largest market for IVUS medical devices, with a market value of $490m. During the 2024-2034 period, GlobalData forecasts the North American IVUS market to grow in value by 6%. Growth in demand for IVUS medical devices stems from the increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are the leading cause of death globally. Factors that exacerbate the prevalence of CVDs, driving the global IVUS market, include ageing populations and a high rate of smoking in some countries. A worldwide increase in healthcare spending, as well as the effects of globalisation, will also drive this market. However, the high cost of imaging techniques and a lack of heart speciality hospitals in some regions will act as barriers to the adoption of IVUS based procedures. Philips’ acquisition of SpectraWAVE will include the HyperVue Imaging System with AI-supported imaging inside the coronary arteries and X1-FFR, an AI-enabled angio-based fractional flow reserve (FFR) technology. X1-FFR provides a direct feed from angiography systems, which can be used by clinicians in finding the correct location for stent placements and other intervention. Philips’ acquisition of SpectraWAVE will expand the company’s current intravascular imaging and physiological assessment device portfolio, which includes OmniWire iFR technology and the Eagle Eye Platinum IVUS. The announcement of Philips’ acquisition of SpectraWAVE follows the 2023 501k clearance for SpectraWAVE’s Hypervue Intravascular Imagine System, $50m of Series B funding for SpectraWAVE in September 2024, and SpectraWAVE gaining Food and Drug Administration clearance for X1-FFR in October 2025. The coupling of SpectraWAVE’s new technologies with Philips’ existing catalogue of products and market influence will potentially increase the adoption rates of IVUS-based procedures. The burgeoning application of AI in medical technology will provide new innovations for IVUS technology, as well as for the cardiovascular and diagnostic imaging sectors in general. Source: https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/analyst-comment/philips-spectrawave-acquisition-expanding-intravascular-imaging-portfolio/?cf-view

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

Move brings 17 boutique properties under UHM umbrella as group accelerates expansion across key leisure markets United Hospitality Management (UHM), one of the fastest-growing mixed-use and luxury hospitality operators, has officially entered the Indian market with the acquisition of Rosastays, a boutique hotel brand with a strong presence across major leisure destinations. Source:https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/travel-hospitality/united-hospitality-management-enters-india-with-rosastays-acquisition

Apimeds Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. (NYSE American: APUS) announced a merger with MindWave Innovations Inc, uniting Apimeds’ late-stage, non-opioid pain-management biologic portfolio with MindWave’s AI-driven Bitcoin treasury, digital asset yield generation, and $NILA-powered ecosystem. The combined company integrates high-growth biotechnology and institutional digital-treasury capabilities, with the merger supported by a simultaneous PIPE of up to $100 million to advance Apimeds’ clinical programs and expand MindWave’s digital asset infrastructure. MATAWAN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–(NYSE American: APUS) Apimeds Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. (“Apimeds”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that completed its IPO in May 2025, today announced that it has merged with MindWave Innovations Inc (“MindWave”; the transaction, the “Merger”). Today, Apimeds and MindWave signed the merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) outlining the terms of the Merger, thus paving the way for a dual-growth enterprise spanning advanced biotechnology and institutional digital-asset treasury solutions. The Merger brings together two high-growth industries—biopharmaceutical innovation and digital-asset financial technology—forming a combined entity positioned to pursue diversified revenue streams and accelerate product development. MindWave is a global leader in AI-driven Bitcoin and yield-generation technologies, operating in one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital-asset market. Bitcoin remains the most established and highly valued cryptocurrency, and MindWave’s platform is designed to help institutions securely hold, manage, and generate yield from Bitcoin reserves. MindWave’s three-pronged strategic framework includes: Secure Digital Treasury Wallets for Corporations,AI-Enhanced Bitcoin Yield Generation, andA Validator-Powered Ecosystem supported by the $NILA Token. Together, these capabilities make MindWave one of the first companies to pursue a publicly traded, institutional-focused Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) model. Apimeds focuses on developing non-opioid, biologic-based therapies for pain management. Its lead product candidate, Apitox, is in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (the “Apimeds Business”). Promptly following the closing of the Merger and pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Apimeds will transfer its assets and liabilities to its wholly owned subsidiary, where the Apimeds Business will continue. Erik Emerson, CEO of Apimeds, commented: “As Apimeds moves toward its Phase 3 clinical trial initiation, we continue to focus on financing and expansion. When I met the leadership team at MindWave and saw the strength and scalability of their business, it became clear this merger represented a unique opportunity. Biotech requires significant capital, and integrating a high-yield digital asset business with strong cash-flow potential will allow us to accelerate our therapeutic programs.” Dr. Vin Menon, Founder and CEO of MindWave, noted: “The NYSE American listing, combined with our three-pronged approach to Bitcoin Treasury infrastructure, refined AI-supported yield capabilities, and a scalable multi-vertical ecosystem powered by the $NILA token, positions MindWave at the forefront of institutional digital treasury management. Joining forces with Apimeds creates a diversified organization designed to drive long-term value and maximize stockholder returns.” ADVISORS E.F. Hutton & Co. (“E.F. Hutton”) is proud to have served as the exclusive M&A advisor to Apimeds and MindWave in connection with the merger, and as the exclusive placement agent for the concurrent PIPE of up to $100 million in financing. E.F. Hutton’s role reflects its commitment to supporting the combined company’s strategic growth across late-stage biotech development and institutional Digital Asset Treasury Solutions. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP acted as legal advisor to Apimeds. Thunder Rock Capital LLC, a division of Finalis Securities LLC, acted as an advisor to MindWave. Duane Morris LLP acted as legal advisor to MindWave. Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201743056/en/Apimeds-and-MindWave-Announce-Merger-Integrating-Biotech-Growth-with-AI-Driven-Digital-Treasury-Yield-Generation-Backed-by-%24100M-PIPE

Lee Leggett becomes Omnicom Oceania chief customer officer; DDB Australia’s bosses step in to lead Clemenger; Priya Patel and Paul Wilson take charge of the newly-formed McCann NZ, Brittney Rigby reports ​Nick Garrett has announced his plans for Omnicom Oceania: In Australia, DDB will be folded into Clemenger BBDO, run by DDB’s local bosses and new Clemenger co-CEOs Sheryl Marjoram and Mike Napolitano.​ Former Clemenger CEO Lee Leggett becomes chief customer officer at Omnicom Oceania, which will see her tasked with strengthening the group’s focus on client experience and integration across Australia and New Zealand. in New Zealand, DDB and FCBwill merge to create McCann New Zealand, run by Priya Patel and Paul Wilson. In Wellington, New Zealand, Clemenger Wellington and FCB Wellington will be merged to become McCann Wellington, operating as part of McCann Group NZ. Local leadership for McCann Wellington will be announced soon. Within Omnicom Media Group, OMD, PHD, Initiative, MediaHub, UM, and Hearts & Science will remain untouched as distinct businesses. ​Nick said, “This is a defining moment for our region. By bringing together the depth, ambition and talent of our people, while simplifying the architecture, we are creating modern, future-fit agencies and capabilities that will deliver world-class creativity and media, smarter data and technology integration, and new levels of effectiveness for brands in Australia and New Zealand. “I want to congratulate Priya Patel, Paul Wilson, Sheryl Marjoram, Mike Napolitano and Lee Leggett on their new roles. Their leadership will play a critical part in shaping the next era of Omnicom Oceania. These changes honour the legacies of our heritage brands while positioning us to unlock even greater opportunity, effectiveness and growth for our clients and our people.”​ Overnight, Omnicom confirmed it will retire the DDB, FCB, and MullenLowe brands and push ahead with BBDO, McCann and TBWA following its $13.5 billion acquisition of IPG. Clients and talent currently sitting within the retired brands will be folded into the brands moving forward on a market-by-market basis, and around 4,000 jobs are expected to go. Sheryl and Mike previously ran DDB in Sydney and Melbourne, respectively. DDB’s Priya Patel and Matty Burton have been in regional CEO and CCO roles since the start of the year, when former AUNZ CEO and chair Andrew Little left the business after more than two decades.​ Clemenger has spent the year bedding in its merger with CHEP and Traffik, transitioning to new leadership under Lee, and cementing its executive team. C-suite leaders including Dani Bassil, Adrian Flores, Anita Zanesco, Gavin McLeod, and Lilian Sor left the business during the merger. Simon Wassef stayed on as CSO but recently resigned to join old boss Dani at M+C Saatchi. Chief creative officer Stephen de Wolf was appointed in June and started at the end of September. He was formerly DDB Group Australia’s CCO, where he worked closely with CEOs Sheryl and Mike. As DDB now folds into Clemenger in Australia, possible conflicts emerge between Volkswagen (which has sat with DDB for more than two decades), Mazda (a CHEP, and now Clemenger),client for almost 40 years), and Porsche (DDB Melbourne); Kmart (Clemenger) and TK Maxx (DDB); and 7-Eleven (Clemenger) and Coles (DDB) given Coles’ fuel business. McCann New Zealand will inherit DDB New Zealand and FCB’s client lists. DDB’s includes McDonald’s New Zealand (in Australia, the account shifted to Wieden+Kennedy after 53 years at DDB), The Warehouse, Samsung, and Goodman Fielder. FCB’s includes One New Zealand, Greencross Health, and Kimberly-Clark. At TBWA, Nick promoted Kimberlee Wells to national CEO following AUNZ CEO Paul Bradbury’s departure. Catherine Harris leads TBWA New Zealand. FCB New Zealand’s Paul Wilson was promoted to a group CEO role in August, and will now transition to set up the McCann brand in the market. Key leadership across retired brands DDB and FCB includes: DDB Group AUNZ CCO Matty Burton; DDB New Zealand CCO Gary Steele, Sydney CCO Matt Chandler, and Melbourne CCO Psembi Kinstan; DDB strategy leads Rupert Price, Matt Pearce, and David McIndoe; FCB CCO Leisa Wall; and FCB CSO Matt Kingston. It is unclear whether HERO’s McCann license will be impacted. Ben Lilley acquired HERO from McCann in Australia to form a separate, independent agency, but it works with McCann globally. Attivo Group-owned 303 MullenLowe in Australia has today rebranded to 303. New Clemenger co-CEO Sheryl Marjoram formerly led McCann in London. Two of Omnicom Oceania’s three creative agencies being run by dual CEOs is a return to a structure it just moved away from within its media business: OMD previously had co-CEOs in Laura Nice and Sian Whitnall. Last month, Laura shifted to the PHD top job, making way for Mark Jarratt to move into a yet-to-be-announced group-level role. In September, Nick told LBB his job — a first-of-its-kind in a significant market; Omnicom is using the Omnicom Oceania structure as a test and could adapt it elsewhere — is to turn a “disjointed jigsaw puzzle” into a “masterpiece.” “My job here, big picture, is to redesign the model and transform us to be ready for the next 10 years,” he said. “It’s a massive job for absolute certainty, but I think it’s also probably the most exciting job in the market. It’s got the biggest opportunity to do something at scale and really redesign something. “We’ve got the best clients. We’ve got the best agencies still, but most of them have been in such dramatic silos in Australia because Omnicom has never existed in Australia. “It was like a disjointed jigsaw puzzle that could turn into a masterpiece, if you can put enough smart people around you and get people excited about creating something and building something that Omnicom has never built in any other market.” The former Deloitte, Colenso, and Clemenger leader added he expects his leaders to prioritise the collective and “a sense of generosity.” “Sometimes you’re gonna have to give something away to get something back,” he said. “If it’s right for our client, that’s the right thing to do.” Source: https://lbbonline.com/news/omnicom-oceania-plan

Nearly a year after first announcing the deal, Omnicom has completed its acquisition of The Interpublic Group of Companies following receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of the other closing conditions. Omnicom’s portfolio spans media agencies such as OMD and PHD, along with creative networks including DDB, BBDO, and TBWA. IPG’s roster includes FCB, MullenLowe, Initiative, and UM. Together, the merged company will also hold significant PR strength, with firms such as Weber Shandwick, Golin, FleishmanHillard, Ketchum, and Porter Novelli. Details on how the two holding companies’ brands will be structured going forward have not yet been announced. “This is a defining moment for our company and our industry,” said John Wren, Chairman and CEO of Omnicom. “With the completion of the deal, Omnicom is setting a new standard for modern marketing and sales leadership — creating stronger brands, delivering superior business outcomes, and driving sustainable growth. We’re excited about this next chapter. I want to thank our people, clients, and shareholders for the trust they have placed in us.” As previously announced, John Wren will remain Chairman and CEO, Phil Angelastro will continue as EVP and CFO, and Philippe Krakowsky and Daryl Simm will serve as Co-Presidents and COOs. Krakowsky, Patrick Moore, and E. Lee Wyatt Jr. have also joined the Omnicom Board of Directors. The company’s full leadership team will be announced on December 1, 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, Interpublic shareholders received 0.344 Omnicom shares for each share of Interpublic common stock they owned. Legacy Omnicom shareholders own approximately 60.6% of the combined company, and legacy Interpublic shareholders own approximately 39.4%, on a fully diluted basis. The combined company, with a pro forma combined revenue in excess of $25 billion, will trade under the OMC ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange. Source: https://www.brandinginasia.com/the-omnicom-ipg-merger-creates-the-worlds-largest-advertising-group/

More than 29,000 customers will now join Bank Australia, following the formal completion of its second bank acquisition this year. Bank Australia has completed its acquisition of Australian Unity Bank and will today (24 November) welcome 29,000 new customers to its fold, taking Bank Australia’s customer base to more than 320,000 people. First announced in November 2024, Bank Australia sought to acquire the banking business of insurance mutual Australian Unity to help it scale into the future and build the bank’s presence. The combined entity now has nearly $17.5 billion in assets and almost 900 employees. The Australian Unity Bank customers can now access Bank Australia’s network of 15 branches across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT and greater digital offerings, such as the Bank Australia app. All accounts, including home loans, will now become Bank Australia accounts. Interest rate and benefits such as discounts and fee waivers will automatically migrate to a Bank Australia loan, and automated repayments will continue to work after the transition to Bank Australia. While home loan terms and conditions will be maintained at transition, Bank Australia fees and charges will apply. Bank Australia said it would continue to work closely with its new customers to ensure a smooth transition and support their banking needs. Damien Walsh, Bank Australia managing director, said this acquisition represents a significant milestone in the bank’s strategy to grow its impact and deliver long-term value to customers. “We’re excited to welcome Australian Unity’s banking customers to Bank Australia,” he said. “This acquisition is about creating the scale and capability to deliver an even greater customer experience for our customers into the future. “We’re excited to offer former Australian Unity Bank customers access to our full range of banking products and services, and to continue building a bank that puts customers first.” Australian Unity CEO and group managing director, Rohan Mead, said the transition reflects Australian Unity’s long-standing focus on supporting the wellbeing of Australians. “Bank Australia’s values and customer-owned model align closely with our own, and we’re confident this move will deliver strong outcomes for our banking members,” Mead said. “We thank our members for their loyalty and trust, and we’re pleased to see them join a bank that shares our commitment to member ownership and mutual values.” The Australian Unity Bank acquisition is the second Bank Australia acquisition to complete this year. It acquired Qudos Bank in July, bringing together 300,000 customers and forming a banking group with $18 billion in total assets and nearly 900 employees. The mutual banking space has seen a wave of mergers and acquisitions in the past year. Last week, Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank revealed they will proceed with their merger, after members of both customer-owned banks voted in favour at their respective AGMs. In August, Beyond Bank Australia revealed it was exploring a potential merger with Family First Credit Union (trading as Family First Bank). If successful, the move would extend Beyond Bank’s presence in regional NSW, expanding its footprint into areas including the Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Bathurst, Blackheath, and Mudgee. And Auswide Bank also became a wholly owned subsidiary of MyState Limited, while G&C Mutual Bank and Unity Bank finalised their merger to form Unity Bank Limited, effective July 2025. Source: https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/47845-bank-australia-completes-second-bank-acquisition

TOKYO, JAPAN, October 24, 2025 — Renalys Pharma, Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo; Representative Director Chaiman & CEO; BT Slingsby; “Renalys”) and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President & CEO: Osamu Okuda; “Chugai”) today announced a definitive stock purchase agreement, under which Chugai will acquire Renalys (the “Transaction”). Renalys is advancing sparsentan in Japan; the medicine was initially developed by Travere Therapeutics, Inc. (“Travere”) and is approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of IgA nephropathy. As part of the Transaction, Chugai will gain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize sparsentan in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Founded to close Asia’s persistent “drug lag,” Renalys develops innovative therapies for chronic kidney disease across Japan and the region. The company has completed primary endpoint data collection in its Japan Phase III clinical trial of sparsentan for IgA nephropathy, with topline results expected in Q4 2025. Renalys has also reached agreements with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) on registrational trial plans for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Alport syndrome in Japan. Renalys believes that transferring sparsentan to Chugai, a company recognized for its rare-disease and nephrology expertise, will accelerate access for patients across Asia. BT Slingsby, MD, PhD, MPH, Representative Director, Chairman & CEO, and Co-Founder of Renalys, stated: “Renalys was built to close Asia’s drug lag with a simple promise: patients should not have to wait years for proven therapies. By advancing sparsentan in Japan, we proved that the model works. Partnering with Chugai now scales it—accelerating access across Japan and the region and setting a new standard for how innovative renal medicines reach patients.” Ryutaro Shimazaki, Chief Development Officer of Renalys, added: “Chugai brings scale, speed, and deep know-how in renal disease. Together, we will align development with PMDA expectations, prepare clinicians for adoption, and focus on the practical steps that get sparsentan to patients sooner. Our goal is simple and urgent: convert strong data into real access for people living with IgA nephropathy, FSGS, and Alport syndrome.” Source: https://renalys.com/renalys-pharma-to-be-acquired-by-chugai-pharmaceutical/

NEW YORK/LONDON, Nov 8 (Reuters) – U.S. drugmaker Pfizer has (PFE.N), opens new tab clinched a $10 billion deal for obesity drug developer Metsera (MTSR.O), opens new tab, capping a fierce biotech bidding war between the New York-based pharma giant and Danish rival Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), opens new tab. Metsera accepted a sweetened offer from Pfizer late on Friday, citing U.S. antitrust risks in Novo’s bid that it had previously called superior. The Danish obesity drug behemoth said on Saturday it would exit the race. The bidding war win hands Pfizer a way into the lucrative obesity drug market, even if Metsera’s treatments remain years from hitting the market. It marks a blow for Novo as it tries to claw back lost ground against U.S. rival Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab. TWISTS AND TURNS IN A BIOTECH BIDDING WAR Pfizer appeared to have locked up the deal in September before Novo jumped in last week with an unsolicited offer, sparking a fight for a coveted asset in the growing weight-loss market. Pfizer is trying to gain a toehold in obesity to overcome past in-house stumbles in developing weight-loss drugs. Pfizer has agreed to pay $86.25 per share in cash, a premium of 3.69% to Metsera’s Friday close, Metsera said in a statement. The offer includes $65.60 per share in cash and a contingent value right entitling holders to additional payments of up to $20.65 per share in cash. Novo Nordisk on Saturday said it would not be making an increased offer. “Following a competitive process and after careful consideration, Novo Nordisk will not increase its offer to acquire Metsera,” the Danish drugmaker said in a statement. Novo added that it is advancing its own pipeline of treatment options for obesity, and that it would “continue to assess opportunities for business development and acquisitions … that further its strategic objectives.” A source close to Novo said that its last unsuccessful bid had been the “maximum value” of Metsera and that the firm remained confident in its own obesity drug pipeline. The deal was never “do or die” for Novo. “This was always a bolt-on acquisition for Novo,” the person said. The escalating M&A game sent Metsera’s shares surging over the last week. From just before Novo stepped in with its bid through Friday’s close, Metsera shares gained nearly 60%, sending its market value to $8.75 billion. For a time, it appeared Novo had the inside track. Novo has been trying to recover its once-commanding position in obesity drugs that it lost to Eli Lilly. Metsera, in its Friday statement, said Novo’s proposal presented “unacceptably high legal and regulatory risks” compared to the proposed merger with Pfizer, citing a call from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to discuss the risks of a transaction with Novo. The regulator sent a letter earlier this week to Novo and Metsera, saying their proposed deal ran the risk of violating U.S. antitrust laws. Novo said in its statement that it believed that the structure of its offer was “compliant with antitrust laws”. In a statement, Pfizer said it was pleased to have reached a revised agreement with Metsera, and expects to close the merger soon after Metsera’s November 13 shareholder meeting. ‘GAME OF THRONES’ STYLE BIDDING WAR FOR METSERA Bernstein analyst Courtney Breen said the $10 billion price rested on optimistic assumptions about the future performance of Metsera, saying Pfizer would need to assume $11 billion in revenue by 2040, nearly double Metsera’s current projections. She pointed to growing scepticism around long-term GLP-1 pricing, which could compress margins. Metsera’s board recommended its shareholders approve the amended Pfizer offer. The biotech company currently loses money and analysts expect additional losses while its drugs are still in development. The bidding war between Pfizer and Novo lifted the price from Pfizer’s $7.3 billion offer in September. Former Pfizer research-and-development chief John LaMattina told Reuters the battle was reminiscent of Pfizer’s 2000 hostile takeover of Warner-Lambert for $90 billion in an effort to gain control of Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug. “While this is a smaller deal, Pfizer must believe that Metsera’s pipeline is key for its future,” he said. Analysts and investors pointed to the unusually fierce fight to gain control of Metsera, whose early-stage obesity treatments remain unproven but could be key in a market some analysts estimate will hit $150 billion by early next decade. “This is a Game of Thrones-level of play,” Peter Kolchinsky, managing partner at RA Capital, a top-20 Metsera shareholder, before the final bid was accepted. Metsera’s experimental obesity drugs, MET-097i, a GLP-1 injectable, and MET-233i, which mimics the pancreatic hormone amylin, are projected to reach $5 billion in combined peak sales, according to Leerink Partners analyst David Risinger. Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizer-sweetens-offer-metsera-bidding-war-against-novo-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-11-08/