New York Post·2025-12-31 14:42Group 1: Mega-Deals Overview - In 2025, a record 68 mega-deals exceeding $10 billion were announced, marking the largest global M&A volume since the pandemic, indicating renewed confidence in corporate boardrooms [1][4] - The average deal size reached nearly $227 million, driven by a favorable regulatory climate and diminishing concerns over President Trump's tariff agenda [2] Group 2: Notable Transactions - Netflix announced a $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's studios and HBO Max, which prompted a $77.9 billion hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance [5][10] - Union Pacific's $72 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern aims to create a US transcontinental railroad, facing antitrust scrutiny [5] - Electronic Arts is going private in a $55 billion deal, highlighting the increasing influence of private capital in major transactions [6] - Kimberly-Clark agreed to acquire Kenvue for $40 billion, reflecting the urgency among companies to secure assets amid rising demand [7] Group 3: Market Trends and Future Outlook - There is a growing perception that failing to act quickly risks losing valuable assets, with corporate leaders feeling pressured to make timely decisions [8] - The market is expected to see an increase in corporate spinoffs and crypto-related acquisitions, alongside a rise in capital flow from sovereign-wealth funds, particularly from the Middle East [11]