Investment Activities - CPPIB is investing up to US$162 million in SC Capital, which has been a global institutional investor since 2022 [1] - CPPIB will also invest up to US$1.05 billion in a US$10.1 billion transaction for an indirect non-controlling interest in Castrol, expected to close by the end of 2026 [3] - Kelso & Co. has acquired a 25% stake in Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. for nearly US$400 million, with over 99% shareholder support [4] - Portage has closed a deal with Point72 Ventures to manage select fintech assets, moving them into a US$280 million continuation vehicle [8] Market Insights - Japan is highlighted as a key hospitality market due to strong inbound tourism and domestic demand, with SC Capital managing approximately US$9 billion in assets, 75% of which are in Japan [2] - The Canadian accredited investor market is projected to double between 2024 and 2029, prompting Maples Group to launch a fund administrative service for alternative investment funds [7] Real Estate Developments - BGO has entered the North American student housing market by acquiring a two-tower residential complex in Edmonton, which includes 272 residential units and 493 student beds [6]

Group 1: Merger of Teck Resources and Anglo American - The Canadian federal government has approved the merger between Teck Resources Limited and Anglo American, forming a new company called Anglo Teck [1] - The merger was agreed upon by both companies on December 9, and Anglo Teck will focus on becoming a global player in critical minerals [1] - Anglo Teck has committed to invest $4.5 billion in Canada over the next five years [1] Group 2: MNP's Expansion in Quebec - Professional services firm MNP is expanding in the Lanaudière region of Quebec by merging with Boisvert et Chartrand, a chartered professional accounting firm [2] - The merger will be effective from January 1, and will increase MNP's presence to 36 offices in the province [2] - Following the expansion, MNP will have a total of 234 partners and over 1,500 team members in Quebec [2]