Core Viewpoint - Millicom International Cellular S.A. has announced the acquisition of Telefónica Móviles del Uruguay S.A. for an enterprise value of USD 440 million, which is part of its strategy to strengthen its position in South America [2][5]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is expected to be EFCF accretive as early as 2026, driven by operational efficiencies and integration with Millicom's existing regional operations [3][8]. - The deal diversifies Millicom's cash flow sources and is supported by Uruguay's stable macroeconomic environment and investment-grade credit rating of BBB+ [4][10]. - Marcelo Benitez, CEO of Millicom, emphasized the company's commitment to investing in mobile infrastructure and improving service quality in Uruguay [5]. Market Outlook - Uruguay has the highest GDP per capita in Latin America at USD 22,400 (2024), with a stable currency and favorable regulatory environment for foreign investment [10]. - The telecommunications market in Uruguay is competitive, with three mobile network operators and a growing mobile market, which has been expanding at approximately 4% annually since 2022 [10]. Operational Synergies - The acquisition of Telefónica Uruguay, the second-largest mobile operator in the country, is expected to create significant synergies across network, operations, and commercial integration with Millicom's existing operations in Paraguay and Bolivia [9][10]. - The transaction is anticipated to enhance Millicom's digital ecosystem, enabling improved service bundling and innovation [9].

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Star Equity Holdings, Inc. and Hudson Global, Inc. aims to create a larger, more diversified holding company, enhancing shareholder value and accelerating growth opportunities for both companies [1][5]. Transaction Highlights - The merger will result in a new entity, "NewCo," with pro-forma annualized revenues of $210 million and a goal of achieving $40 million in Adjusted EBITDA by 2030 [6]. - The merger is expected to generate at least $2 million in annualized cost savings within 12 months, translating to approximately $0.57 in incremental pro-forma EPS [6]. - NewCo will benefit from Hudson's $240 million in U.S. Federal net operating losses (NOL), which are more likely to be utilized than if Hudson operated independently [6]. Transaction Details - The merger will be a stock-for-stock transaction, with Hudson acquiring all outstanding shares of Star, issuing 0.23 shares of HSON common stock for each share of STRR common stock [6]. - Upon completion, Hudson shareholders will own approximately 79% of NewCo, while Star shareholders will own about 21% of the estimated 3.49 million shares outstanding [6]. - The merger is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [6]. Management and Structure - NewCo will have four reporting segments: Building Solutions, Business Services, Energy Services, and Investments [7]. - The board of directors for NewCo will include three independent directors from each company, with Jeff Eberwein as CEO and Rick Coleman as COO [7]. Company Background - Hudson Global, Inc. is a global total talent solutions provider, while Star Equity Holdings, Inc. operates as a diversified holding company with divisions in Building Solutions, Energy Services, and Investments [15][16].

JP Morgan analyst Sebastiano C Petti expressed views on EchoStar Corporation SATS earnings reported on May 9.The company reported a loss of 71 cents per share, missing the analyst consensus estimate of 69 cents loss and sales of $3.87 billion, in line with the Street view.The analyst notes that, during the earnings call, CEO Hamid Akhavan reiterated the company’s ambition to establish itself as a “leading provider of global direct-to-device connectivity,” leveraging its international S-band spectrum and dom ...

Acquisition Details - RBC Bearings Incorporated has signed a definitive agreement to acquire VACCO Industries for approximately $310 million in cash, which will be funded through borrowings and cash on hand [1] - VACCO Industries, based in South El Monte, CA, specializes in producing valves, filters, regulators, and other precision components for the space and naval defense sectors, generating revenues of about $118 million in the trailing 12 months ending March 31, 2025 [2] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with RBC Bearings' strategy to enhance its business and product portfolio, incorporating VACCO's expertise in engineered valves and regulators to expand customer offerings in defense, space, and commercial markets [3] Transaction Timeline - The transaction is expected to be completed in the summer, subject to customary closing conditions [4] Financial Performance - RBC Bearings has a market capitalization of $11.8 billion and currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), facing challenges with rising operating costs, including a 3.8% year-over-year increase in cost of sales and a 12% rise in selling, general, and administrative expenses in Q1 2025 [5] - Despite these challenges, strength in the Aerospace/Defense segment and recovery in the Industrial unit are positive indicators [5] Stock Performance - RBC's shares have increased by 4.4% over the past three months, contrasting with a 0.8% decline in the industry [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RBC's current-year earnings has decreased by 0.9% over the last 60 days [6]

STERIS' (STE) new acquisitions and partnerships strengthen its product offerings. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) currently.Factors Driving STERIS' GrowthSTERIS’ Healthcare segment is gaining from the successful market adoption of its comprehensive offerings, including infection prevention consumables and capital equipment. Further, its services to maintain that equipment, repair reusable procedural instruments and outsource instrument reprocessing services are gaining traction. For the fourth quart ...

Group 1: Acquisition Overview - PNC Financial Services Group's subsidiary, PNC Bank, has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Aqueduct Capital Group, with the deal expected to close in mid-summer, subject to customary conditions [1] - Aqueduct Capital Group specializes in raising capital for private equity, private credit, and real asset managers, providing various fundraising solutions [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The acquisition will enhance the primary fund placement capabilities of PNC's subsidiary, Harris Williams, which focuses on mergers and acquisitions and private capital advisory services [2] - This deal will allow PNC to leverage collective networks to broaden client offerings across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia [2] Group 3: Leadership Insights - Michael D. Thomas, head of Corporate & Institutional Banking at PNC, emphasized that the acquisition complements existing capital advisory capabilities and expands the ability to serve the global capital needs of the private equity industry [3] - John Neuner, co-CEO of Harris Williams, noted the minimal overlap in client bases, which increases the ability to serve a broader range of clients [3] Group 4: Previous Acquisitions and Partnerships - PNC Financial has a history of strengthening its business through partnerships and acquisitions, including a partnership with Plaid in September 2024 for secure financial data sharing [4] - In May 2024, PNC extended its partnership with TCW Group to offer private credit solutions to middle-market companies, aiming to capture a significant share of the expanding private credit market [5] - The company also completed the buyout of Linga in 2022 to enhance corporate payments capabilities in the hospitality sector [6] Group 5: Market Performance - PNC shares have increased by 17.6% over the past year, compared to a 30.5% growth for the industry [7]

Strategic transaction will deepen Blüm's indirect stake in Cookies and will further align its platform with one of the most recognized cannabis brands in the U.S.DOWNEY, Calif., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blum Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: BLMH) (the “Company,” “Blüm,” “Blüm Holdings,” “we” or “us”), a California-based publicly traded holding company and cannabis operator, today announced the execution of a binding term sheet to acquire 100% of the membership interest in a holding company (the “Target”). The ...

Core Viewpoint - Transom Capital Group has entered into a merger agreement to acquire SigmaTron International, with a total enterprise value of approximately $83 million, representing a significant premium over the company's recent stock prices [2][3]. Transaction Details - The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by SigmaTron's Board of Directors, and the tender offer will be for $3.02 per share in cash, which is about 134% higher than the closing market price on May 20, 2025 [2]. - The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending the successful completion of the tender offer and other customary closing conditions [3]. - The acquisition will result in SigmaTron being wholly owned by Transom, and its shares will no longer be listed on Nasdaq [3]. Company Background - SigmaTron International is an electronic manufacturing services company, providing services such as printed circuit board assemblies and electro-mechanical subassemblies, with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Mexico, China, and Vietnam [9]. - Transom Capital Group is a private equity firm focused on middle-market investments, known for its operationally intensive strategy and expertise in various complex situations [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Svitzer Group A/S has requested the delisting of its shares from Nasdaq Copenhagen, which has been accepted, with the last trading day set for May 22, 2025, due to a compulsory acquisition by APMHI Invest A/S starting May 23, 2025 [1][2]. Company Overview - Svitzer is a leading global provider of towage and marine services, assisting large vessels in maneuvering in and out of ports and terminals [4]. - The company operates approximately 450 vessels and serves around 2,000 customers across more than 140 ports and 40 terminals in 37 countries [4]. - Founded in 1833, Svitzer plays a crucial role in critical port infrastructure [4].

Core Insights - PNC Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aqueduct Capital Group, enhancing its capital advisory capabilities in the private equity sector [1][2] - The acquisition is expected to close in mid-summer, subject to customary closing conditions, with undisclosed terms [4] Company Overview - Aqueduct Capital Group, founded in 2003, specializes in raising capital for private equity, private credit, and real asset managers, leveraging its access to global capital pools [1][5] - Harris Williams, a subsidiary of PNC, focuses on M&A and private capital advisory services, emphasizing collaboration and strategic execution [6] Strategic Benefits - The acquisition will allow PNC to expand its service offerings to a broader range of clients in the private equity industry, with minimal overlap in client bases [2][3] - The partnership aims to enhance client relationships and diversify investor bases across North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia [3]