Paramount Skydance Becomes Sole Bidder for Warner Bros
Paramount Skydance has emerged as the sole bidder for Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix announced it would not match Paramount's increased offer of $31 per share, valuing the media giant at approximately $77 billion. Netflix's decision follows Warner's board deeming Paramount's bid as a 'superior proposal,' which includes a $7 billion reverse termination fee if regulatory approval is not granted. A shareholder vote on the deal is scheduled for March 20, pending further agreement on specific terms.
Stellantis Reports $26.3 Billion Loss for 2025
Stellantis NV reported a net loss of $26.3 billion for 2025, marking its first annual loss since its formation in 2021, following a record profit of $20 billion just two years prior. The automaker attributed this downturn to nearly $30 billion in one-time charges related to its strategic shift away from electric vehicle investments initiated under former CEO Carlos Tavares. Under CEO Antonio Filosa, Stellantis aims to return to profitability by leveraging popular brands like Jeep and Ram, despite facing a 3% decline in U.S. sales and a 2% drop in global revenues to $181.2 billion.
Japan invests ¥250 billion in chipmaker Rapidus
Japan's government will become the largest shareholder in domestic chipmaker Rapidus, holding approximately 10% of voting rights while retaining veto power over key management decisions. The government will invest ¥250 billion ($1.6 billion) to enhance domestic chip manufacturing capabilities, with a total capital for Rapidus expected to exceed ¥420 billion, including contributions from 32 private companies.
Block to Lay Off Over 4,000 Employees Amid Restructuring
Jack Dorsey's financial technology firm Block is laying off more than 4,000 employees, reducing its workforce by over 40% to under 6,000, as it shifts focus towards artificial intelligence and its impact on operational efficiency. Despite reporting a 24% year-over-year increase in gross profit to $2.87 billion, Dorsey stated that the company is restructuring to adopt an 'intelligence-native' model, which he believes will fundamentally change how businesses operate. The layoffs are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, with other major firms also reducing staff in response to AI advancements.
Engie SA to Acquire UK Power Networks for £10.5 Billion
Engie SA announced its largest acquisition to date, agreeing to purchase UK Power Networks, the UK’s largest power-distribution network, for £10.5 billion ($14.2 billion) from Victor Li’s CK Group. This move marks a significant shift in Engie's strategy after four years of cautious deal-making, as the French utility aims to capitalize on rising demand from electric vehicles and data centers. The transaction, expected to close in mid-2026, will position the UK as Engie's second-largest earnings contributor after France, according to CEO Catherine MacGregor.
Victory Capital Offers Competing Bid for Janus Henderson
Victory Capital Holdings Inc. has submitted a competing bid to acquire Janus Henderson Group plc, offering $57.04 per share, which includes $30.00 in cash and a fixed exchange ratio of 0.350 shares of Victory Capital common stock. This proposal represents a 37% premium to Janus Henderson's unaffected share price as of October 24, 2025, and exceeds the $7.4 billion offer made by Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management by approximately 16%. If successful, Janus Henderson shareholders would own about 38% of the combined company, which would have an enterprise value of around $16 billion.
OpenAI to Expand London Research Center Significantly
OpenAI announced plans to expand its London research center, making it the largest hub outside the United States, as it seeks to enhance its global presence in artificial intelligence. Currently employing around 30 researchers, the company aims to intensify competition with Google DeepMind for AI talent in the UK, where compensation for senior engineers can exceed £1m. UK officials, including Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, welcomed the expansion as a significant endorsement of the country's AI sector.
US mortgage rates fall below 6 percent for first time since 2022
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate has fallen to 5.98% as of February 26, 2026, marking the first time it has dipped below 6% since late 2022, according to Freddie Mac. This decline is expected to stimulate home sales as the spring buying season approaches, following a period of stagnation in the housing market. Mortgage applications have already seen a slight increase, with refinancing becoming more attractive for homeowners who purchased at higher rates.
KKR's FS-KKR Shares Fall 15% Amid Rising Troubled Loans
KKR's FS-KKR, a publicly-traded business development corporation, reported a significant rise in troubled loans, resulting in a 15% drop in its shares following a dividend cut. The company, which has substantial exposure to the software sector, noted that nearly 20% of its loan portfolio consists of loans to software companies, a sector currently facing declining investor sentiment. Additionally, the percentage of loans in non-accrual status has increased, indicating growing financial strain and contributing to a net debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22, the highest since 2024.
Toyota to Raise $19 Billion in Share Sale
Toyota plans to raise approximately $19 billion through a share sale as part of a corporate governance reform initiative aimed at enhancing shareholder value. This move, which involves unwinding strategic shareholdings with banks and insurance firms, comes amid a tender offer for Toyota Industries that has drawn criticism from activist investor Elliott Management for being underpriced and lacking transparency. The tender offer has been extended to March 2 due to insufficient shareholder support.
Bezos's Project Prometheus seeks billions for AI acquisitions
Jeff Bezos's Project Prometheus is seeking tens of billions of dollars in funding to acquire companies affected by artificial intelligence technology, aiming to capitalize on the disruption in the industrial sector. The initiative, valued at approximately $30 billion, is in discussions with major investors, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and JPMorgan, which is considering investment through its $10 billion Security and Resiliency Initiative fund.
