Iran unrest and tempered Venezuela expectations lifted Brent toward $63 a barrel. Friday, January 09, 2026 Iran protests have added some impetus to 2026’s heretofore surprisingly bullish start, putting potential supply disruptions back on the agenda. Moreover, the failure of the Trump government to entice US oil majors to invest in Venezuela and Treasury Secretary Bessent’s call for ‘wildcatters’ to drill there soothed some concerns that Venezuela’s oil production could soar in the near term. As s ...

Core Points - Cool Company Ltd. has scheduled a special meeting for its shareholders on January 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM GMT [1] - The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the proposed merger with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of EPS Ventures Ltd. [1] - This merger was previously announced on December 8, 2025, and is a significant development for CoolCo [1]

MONSEY, N.Y., Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Wohl & Fruchter LLP is investigating the fairness of the proposed merger of Veeco Instruments, Inc. (Nasdaq: VECO) (“Veeco”) with Axcelis Technologies (“Axcelis”) in an all-stock transaction under which Veeco stockholders will receive 0.3575 shares of Axcelis common stock for each share of Veeco common stock that they own (“Exchange Ratio”). Notably, the Exchange Ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted for changes in the market price of either ...

The merger between Swiss insurance companies Helvetia and Baloise has been completed as planned, resulting in the formation of Helvetia Baloise Holding. The move follows the announcement of the merger plan in April 2025 and the receipt of all required approvals from supervisory authorities. With the merger finalised, Baloise’s registered shares were exchanged at a ratio of 1:1.0119 for 46,392,407 newly issued registered shares in Helvetia Baloise Holding. These new shares are scheduled to begin trading ...

Core Viewpoint - The Portnoy Law Firm is advising investors of Prime Brands Corporation to join a class action lawsuit due to significant stock price declines following operational disruptions and management changes after a merger [1][3]. Group 1: Merger and Financial Performance - On June 17, 2024, Primo Water Corporation announced a merger with BlueTriton Brands, highlighting expected synergies and long-term growth potential [3]. - The merger was completed on November 8, 2024, forming Primo Brands [3]. - On August 7, 2025, Primo Brands reported financial results, with CEO Robbert Rietbroek acknowledging disruptions in product supply and service due to rapid operational changes, leading to a stock price drop of $2.41 per share (9.13%) [3]. - On November 6, 2025, the company announced a significant reduction in its 2025 net sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance, with new CEO Eric Foss admitting to integration issues and customer service problems, resulting in a further stock price decline of $8.20 per share (36.19%) [3]. Group 2: Legal Actions and Investor Rights - Investors who purchased securities during the specified class period have until January 12, 2026, to file a lead plaintiff motion [1]. - The Portnoy Law Firm is offering complimentary case evaluations to investors seeking to recover losses due to corporate wrongdoing [2][4].

Core Viewpoint - Akzo Nobel N.V. and Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. have announced a definitive agreement for an all-stock merger of equals, creating a global coatings leader with an enterprise value of approximately $25 billion [1][5]. Company Overview - The merger combines two industry leaders with complementary portfolios, enhancing customer service across key markets and increasing value for shareholders and stakeholders [2][5]. - The combined company will have a strong financial profile, industry-leading innovation capabilities, and a balanced global presence in over 160 countries [2][5]. Financial Highlights - The combined entity is projected to generate approximately $17 billion in revenues and $1.5 billion in pro forma Adjusted Free Cash Flow for 2024 [3][10]. - Expected run-rate synergies of approximately $600 million, with 90% anticipated to be realized within the first three years post-transaction [3][10]. Leadership and Governance - The new company will have a one-tier Board led by Rakesh Sachdev from Axalta, with Greg Poux-Guillaume from AkzoNobel serving as CEO [7][8]. - The Board will consist of 11 directors, including four from each company and three independent members [7]. Strategic Benefits - The merger will create a diversified portfolio of leading brands across various segments, including Powder, Aerospace, Refinish, Mobility, Marine & Protective, Industrial Coatings, and Decorative Paints [10]. - The combined company will enhance its geographic scale and commercial reach, with 173 manufacturing sites and 91 R&D facilities worldwide [10]. Innovation and R&D - The merger will enable the delivery of advanced and differentiated products by combining technological capabilities across end markets, with an annual R&D spend of approximately $400 million [10]. - The combined company will have around 4,200 research fellows, scientists, and engineers, and approximately 3,200 granted and pending patent applications [10]. Transaction Details - Axalta shareholders will receive 0.6539 shares of AkzoNobel stock for each share of Axalta common stock owned [11]. - AkzoNobel will pay a special cash dividend of €2.5 billion minus any regular dividends paid in 2026 prior to completion [12]. Timeline and Approvals - The transaction is expected to close in late 2026 to early 2027, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals [13].

Merger Announcement - Two leading suppliers of aftermarket parts for trucks, FleetPride and TruckPro, are merging to form a combined company branded under the FleetPride name, aiming to enhance customer value through improved parts availability, technical expertise, service, and ecommerce experience [1] - The merger is described as a combination of two similar and complementary businesses, serving both B2B and B2C customers with heavy-duty truck service and maintenance [1] Debt Situation - The merger follows a downgrade by Moody's, which cut FleetPride's corporate family rating to Caa1 and maintained a negative outlook, citing high leverage, low interest coverage, and weak liquidity due to negative free cash flow [2][3] - Moody's has since announced that the debt concerns have been resolved, as the problematic debt has been repaid, leading to the withdrawal of its rating on FleetPride [3] Ratings Comparison - S&P Global Ratings also withdrew its rating on FleetPride, assigning a B- rating to one series of outstanding debt, which is higher than Moody's Caa1 rating, indicating a stable outlook compared to Moody's negative outlook [4] Leadership Structure - Tom Greco, the former CEO of Advance Auto Parts, will lead the new combined company, while Chuck Broadus, the current president and CEO of TruckPro, will continue to manage TruckPro during the integration process [6] Financial Details - No sales price or combined value of the new entity was disclosed in the merger announcement, with both companies being owned by private equity firms: FleetPride by American Securities and TruckPro by Platinum Equity [5]

Core Viewpoint - The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of Suzuki Motor Gujarat Pvt Ltd (SMG) with Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), which is expected to consolidate the operations of the Japanese carmaker in India and enhance manufacturing capabilities [1][5]. Group 1: Merger Approval - The NCLT sanctioned the scheme of amalgamation on October 31, with an appointed date set for April 1, 2025 [1][5]. - The tribunal noted that the merger is in the interest of both companies, their shareholders, creditors, and employees, with no objections from statutory authorities such as the Income Tax Department, RBI, Sebi, BSE, and NSE [1][5]. Group 2: Strategic Benefits - The merger aims to simplify the group structure, eliminate duplication of administrative functions, and enhance operational synergies [2][5]. - It is expected to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate decision-making within Maruti Suzuki's operations [5]. Group 3: Employee Transition - All employees of SMG will transition to Maruti Suzuki India upon the merger's effective date [1][5]. Group 4: Ownership Structure - Suzuki Motor Corporation currently holds 58.28% of MSIL's paid-up share capital [5].

Core Viewpoint - The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of Suzuki Motor Gujarat into its parent company Maruti Suzuki India, with the appointed date for the transfer scheme set for April 1, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Approval and Details - The NCLT's two-member bench found the merger scheme beneficial for both companies, their creditors, employees, and shareholders, and noted no impediments to sanctioning it [2][5]. - The merger will result in the immediate transition of all employees from Suzuki Motor Gujarat to Maruti Suzuki India as of the effective date [3]. - Statutory authorities, including BSE, NSE, RBI, and SEBI, did not raise any objections during the 30-day period following July 31, 2025 [4]. Group 2: Rationale and Benefits of the Merger - The companies indicated that the merger aims to consolidate their businesses for focused growth, operational efficiencies, and enhanced business synergies [7][9]. - The merger is expected to simplify the corporate structure by eliminating multiple entities in the same business, thereby improving agility and decision-making [9]. - The amalgamation will reduce administrative costs, enable sharing of best practices, and improve various performance indicators, ultimately maximizing shareholder value [10]. Group 3: Legal and Structural Implications - The NCLT's order states that the merger will be binding on both the transferor and transferee companies, along with their shareholders and creditors [8]. - Upon the merger's effectiveness, Suzuki Motor Gujarat will be dissolved without the need for a winding-up process, and it will surrender its GSTN and PAN to the relevant authorities [8]. - As of March 31, 2025, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, held 58.28% of the paid-up share capital of Maruti Suzuki India [11].

Core Viewpoint - MEG Energy shareholders have approved the $8.6 billion takeover by Cenovus Energy, marking a significant shift in Canada's oil sands sector [1]. Group 1: Shareholder Approval - At a special meeting, 86% of MEG shareholders voted in favor of the acquisition, surpassing the two-thirds threshold required [2]. - The approval concludes a lengthy process that began when Strathcona Resources made a hostile bid for MEG, which was rejected by the board [2]. Group 2: Bid Details - Cenovus' initial bid was valued at C$7.9 billion (US$5.7 billion) and was increased to C$8.6 billion (US$6.2 billion) by late October, equating to approximately $29.80 per MEG share, with half in cash and half in Cenovus stock [3]. - MEG shareholders were given the option to choose between cash or shares in the new combined company [3]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - The acquisition faced regulatory scrutiny due to a separate transaction involving Cenovus and Strathcona, which delayed the shareholder vote multiple times [4]. - Strathcona, which holds a 14.2% stake in MEG, transitioned from an opponent to a supporter of the Cenovus takeover following the inquiry [4]. Group 4: Final Steps - The remaining steps for the merger include standard closing conditions such as regulatory approvals from Canada's Competition Bureau and Alberta's Energy Regulator, along with final court approval [5]. - These approvals are expected to be formalities, paving the way for the merger to proceed [5]. Group 5: Industry Impact - The merger will create one of North America's largest integrated oil producers, enhancing Cenovus' heavy oil operations in the Christina Lake region and solidifying its position in the Canadian oil sands [6].