Group 1: Maple Leaf Foods and Canada Packers - Maple Leaf Foods retains a 16% stake in Canada Packers and has established an evergreen supply agreement, with Canada Packers serving as an anchor customer for Maple Leaf's prepared meats business [1] - Michael McCain, executive chair of both companies, emphasizes that they will operate as independent entities with distinct investment profiles and experienced teams [2] Group 2: TMX Group and Verity Acquisition - TMX Group has acquired U.S.-based data and analytics provider Verity, although financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed [3] - Verity offers two main products: VerityRMS, a research management system, and VerityData, which provides enhanced data sets focused on public equity filings [3][4] - The acquisition is expected to strengthen TMX Group's ability to serve a growing global client base [4] Group 3: MEG Energy and Cenovus Offer - MEG Energy reports that Glass Lewis has recommended its shareholders support the takeover offer from Cenovus Energy, following a similar recommendation from Institutional Shareholder Services [8][9] - The Cenovus offer requires a two-thirds majority vote from MEG shareholders, with the vote scheduled for October 9 [9] - Strathcona Resources intends to vote against the Cenovus deal, holding a 14.2% interest in MEG [9][10] Group 4: Stella-Jones Acquisition of Brooks Manufacturing - Stella-Jones has signed a deal to acquire Brooks Manufacturing for US$140 million, enhancing its product offerings in treated wood distribution [11][12] - The acquisition aligns with Stella-Jones' strategic focus on meeting the growing demand from utilities and expanding its infrastructure segment [12][13] - Brooks' sales for 2024 are projected to be approximately US$84 million, and the deal is subject to regulatory approval [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Stella-Jones Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Brooks Manufacturing Co. for approximately US$140 million, aiming to expand its product offerings and enhance its market reach in the utility sector [1][3]. Company Overview - Stella-Jones Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer focused on infrastructure products essential for electrical distribution and transmission, as well as railway transportation systems [4]. - The company supplies treated wood and steel utility poles, steel lattice towers, and treated wood railway ties to major electrical utilities and railway operators across North America [4]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition of Brooks, a manufacturer of treated wood distribution crossarms and transmission framing components, is expected to close by the end of the year, pending U.S. antitrust regulatory approval [1][3]. - Brooks reported sales of approximately US$84 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 [3]. - The acquisition will be financed through Stella-Jones' existing revolving credit facilities [3]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is seen as a natural fit that enhances Stella-Jones' ability to meet the growing demand from utilities and unlock new growth opportunities [3]. - The move aligns with the company's strategic focus to become a partner of choice for infrastructure customers [3].