Today's Investment Banking Pulse
Autodesk to acquire MaintainX for $3.6B, expanding into operations software
Autodesk announced an all‑cash $3.6 billion purchase of MaintainX, a mobile‑first maintenance and operations platform. The transaction is funded with cash on hand, new debt and includes a $150 million restricted‑stock grant to retain staff. CEO Andrew Anagnost said the deal unlocks a $40 billion addressable market and extends Autodesk’s portfolio beyond design into building operations.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Credit Agricole raises $670M via Samurai bond issuance
Ecolab Buys CoolIT Systems for $4.75 Billion. It’s All About AI for the Struggling Stock.
Ecolab announced a $4.75 billion all‑cash acquisition of liquid‑cooling specialist CoolIT Systems, expanding its portfolio beyond traditional chemicals. CoolIT’s AI‑focused cooling technology targets the booming data‑center and artificial‑intelligence server market. The deal gives Ecolab immediate entry into a high‑growth, recurring‑revenue segment. Analysts view the purchase as a strategic pivot to diversify earnings and capture AI‑infrastructure demand.
CVC Capital Partners Plc – 2026 Share Buy-Back Programme - Progress Report: 16 March 2026 – 20 March 2026
CVC Capital Partners plc released a progress report for its 2026 share buy‑back programme covering the period 16 March to 20 March 2026. The update confirms that repurchases continued as scheduled with no material deviation from the original plan. CVC reiterated its...
Zetwerk To File DRHP Within Two Weeks For $550 Mn IPO
Zetwerk, the full‑stack B2B manufacturing platform, plans to raise up to $550 million through an IPO that could value the company near $4 billion. The offering will consist of a $300 million fresh issue and an offer‑for‑sale component for the balance. The firm...
Blue Pool Capital Raises $1 Billion for First Private-Equity Fund
Hong Kong‑based Blue Pool Capital announced it has closed a $1 billion first private‑equity fund, a notable achievement given the sector’s recent fundraising headwinds. The firm, which manages the family office of Alibaba co‑founder Joe Tsai, leverages a decade of private‑equity experience...
SBI Mutual Fund Files DRHP for $1.5bn OFS, India's Biggest Asset Manager to List
SBI Mutual Fund (SBI Funds Management Ltd) has lodged a draft red‑herring prospectus with SEBI for a pure offer‑for‑sale, planning to sell up to 20.37 crore shares – roughly 10% of the joint‑venture owned by State Bank of India and Amundi....
FDIC Opens Door for Private Equity to Buy Failed Banks
The FDIC has rescinded its 2009 rule that barred private‑equity firms and other non‑bank entities from bidding on failed banks. The change, prompted by the rapid failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic in 2023, is intended...
Credit Shifting Back in Buyside Focus as Federal Stimulus Dries Up
Municipal bond investors enjoyed credit stability from roughly $4.6 trillion of pandemic stimulus, but the federal windfall is ending, reviving credit concerns. Panelists at the Bond Dealers of America conference warned that tighter spreads will likely widen as states confront fiscal...
Something Of Note: Nexstar Bond Offering Surpasses $5 Billion
Nexstar Media Group announced a senior secured note offering exceeding $5 billion, aimed at financing its $6.2 billion acquisition of the former Gannett assets. The move follows Nexstar’s effective takeover of TEGNA and the conversion of TEGNA shares into Nexstar’s “NXST” ticker....
Pharma M&A Roundup: Novartis to Acquire Pan-Mutant-Selective PI3Kα Inhibitor From Synnovation Therapeutics, Collegium to Acquire Azstarys From Corium Therapeutics
Novartis announced a deal worth up to $3 billion to acquire SNV4818, a pan‑mutant‑selective PI3Kα inhibitor aimed at hormone‑receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative breast cancer. The transaction includes $2 billion upfront and potential milestones exceeding $1 billion, with closing expected in early 2026. Collegium Pharmaceutical agreed...
U.S. Regulators Trim Wall Street Banks' Capital Ratios by About 5%
Federal regulators announced softened Basel capital proposals that will shave roughly 5% off the capital ratios of the biggest U.S. investment banks. The change could unlock $175 billion of excess capital for loans, dividends and buybacks, but critics warn it may...
Savvy Set for $6bn Moonton Deal
Savvy Games Group, the gaming arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is set to acquire Moonton, the creator of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, for an estimated $6 billion. The deal, reported by Bloomberg, follows Savvy’s $4.9 bn purchase of Scopely and...
EBay's Depop Acquisition Targets Younger Shoppers
The @ebay acquisition of @depop from @etsy makes so much sense, especially because EBay has been trying to build its customer base and reach younger demographics. #ebay #depop #etsy #fashion #business
Bezos Unveils Project Prometheus, Targets $100 B Raise
Digging into what Jeff Bezos is up to with Project Prometheus and that $100 billion fundraise. https://t.co/Z0imZiZxKt
California School District Says Taxpayers Win with Shorter Bond Terms
San Juan Unified School District has saved roughly $636 million in interest by issuing general‑obligation bonds with an average maturity of 17.23 years, far shorter than the typical 30‑year term used by most districts. The shorter‑term structure lowered the repayment ratio from...
Biotech Giant Earendil Labs Secures $787M Funding
Giant biotech round that hit right after I sent Pro Rata: Earendil Labs raises $787M https://t.co/NWt2bBA9Lr
Prorating Vs. Gating: Different Tender Offer Mechanics
Prorating investors in a standard 5% quarterly tender offer is not the same as gating or halting redemptions. https://t.co/p9tLyxgsOi
Podcast: Building the Defense Backbone: Precision Aerospace & Defense and FACT II (FACT)
Precision Aerospace & Defense Group and FACT II Acquisition Corp announced a $310 million business combination, turning the defense‑supplier roll‑up into a publicly traded entity via a SPAC. The deal, disclosed in December, positions Precision to build an EBITDA‑positive network of critical...
Conditions for Call Satisfied
Småkraft AS announced that it has exercised the call option on its SMAKR02 ESG bond series and will redeem all outstanding notes. The redemption follows a refinancing under an amended and restated senior secured facilities agreement. All contractual conditions for...
Reliance Jio Platforms to Launch $4 Bn IPO, 17 Banks Hired for Underwriting
Reliance Industries has named a 17‑member consortium of global and domestic banks to underwrite Jio Platforms' upcoming $4 bn Offer For Sale. The deal, expected to float 2.5%‑2.7% of Jio equity, will be filed by early April and could become India’s...
Euronext Oslo Børs – Decision on Admission to Trading – General Oceans ASA
Euronext Oslo Børs announced that General Oceans ASA will be admitted to trading on the exchange. The company must satisfy all admission requirements before its first trading day. The CEO will set the debut date, which cannot be later than...
Director/PDMR Shareholding
On 19 March 2026, Magnum Ice Cream Company N.V. disclosed that its Chief Executive Officer, Peter ter Kulve, purchased 40,000 ordinary shares at €13.41 per share, amounting to €536,578.52. The transaction was reported in line with the EU and UK Market Abuse Regulation...
CEE Startup & Tech Weekly: First Ukrainian Defense Tech IPO
Swarmer Inc., a Ukrainian drone‑software firm, debuted on Nasdaq on March 17, becoming the first defense‑technology company from Ukraine to complete an IPO. The listing valued the company at roughly $500 million, signaling strong investor appetite for Eastern‑European defense innovators. The round‑up...
SalMar - Update of Issuer Credit Rating From Nordic Credit Rating
Nordic Credit Rating upgraded Norway‑based salmon farmer SalMar ASA to a BBB long‑term issuer rating with a stable outlook on 20 March 2026. The agency highlighted the company's strong profitability and moderate financial leverage as key drivers. The rating places SalMar in...
Norwegian Block Exchange Issues Share Options to Employees and Board Members for 2025
Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX) granted 9,385,098 share options to employees and board members for 2025, with a strike price of 0.369 NOK and a four‑year exercise window after a three‑year vesting schedule. Vesting occurs at 20 % after 18 months, 35 % after...
Flipkart Group CFO Sriram Venkataraman Quits Amid Ecommerce Company's IPO Plans
Flipkart announced that group CFO Sriram Venkataraman will step down after a decade of service, coinciding with the company’s preparation for a 2027 initial public offering. The Walmart‑owned e‑commerce platform has also appointed senior vice‑president Nishant Verman to help drive...
Take-Private Attempt for KNOT Offshore Partners Falls Through
New York‑listed shuttle tanker owner KNOT Offshore Partners (KNOP) announced it has terminated negotiations with its parent, Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers, over an unsolicited take‑private proposal first floated in October 2025. A conflicts committee of independent directors, assisted by external...
Sale of Business Non-Competes: The Forfeiture for Competition Alternative
Mayer Brown’s March 2026 memo urges acquirers to replace traditional non‑compete covenants with forfeiture‑for‑competition (FFC) clauses after Delaware courts increasingly invalidate non‑competes on reasonableness grounds. An FFC ties a supplemental cash benefit to the seller’s agreement not to compete, and because...
AGs Sue, Deal Closes Same Day: TGNA Winners
State AGs sue to block the merger in the am, deal closes in the pm. Wild ride for $TGNA shareholders - congrats to those who held for $22.00. https://t.co/hroSGkpRRo
Citi Bolsters Healthcare Investment Banking Team- #CapitalMarkets #Finance #Treasury #Finance
Citigroup has appointed Ben Bartholomaeus as head of healthcare for Australia and New Zealand, bringing his experience from Goldman Sachs where he led major regional deals. Bartholomaeus previously advised on landmark transactions such as the A$1.6 billion DBG Health investment and the...
Job-swaps-weekly:-U.S.-Bank-hires-global-investment-services-head,-Fortress-shuffles
U.S. Bank announced the appointment of a new global investment services head, aiming to strengthen its cross‑border capabilities. At the same time, Fortress Capital reshuffled senior executives across its investment platforms, reflecting a broader strategic realignment. Both moves underscore heightened...
IKM Gruppen Acquires Hendrik Veder Group
Norway’s IKM Gruppen announced the acquisition of Rotterdam‑based Hendrik Veder Group, creating the new entity IKM Hendrik Veder. The deal adds a 225‑year‑old rope and wire specialist with 79 employees to IKM’s 4,000‑strong, 15‑country operation. The combined company will broaden...
Genco Rejects Star Bulk-Backed Diana Shipping Bid
Genco Shipping & Trading rejected Diana Shipping’s improved takeover offer of $23.50 per share, valuing the dry‑bulker at roughly $860 million. The board said the proposal undervalues Genco, lacks a sufficient premium, and carries execution risks. Diana, backed by Star Bulk,...
Wasserman Sale Begins as Private Equity Lines Up
Bankers have opened the bidding window for Wasserman, the Los Angeles‑based sports and entertainment powerhouse now operating under the name The Team. Moelis & Co. is steering the process, while a roster of potential acquirers – including private‑equity firms Permira,...
Huge M&A Deals: Netflix’s Acquisition of AI Film-Tech Company InterPositive
In early March 2026 Netflix announced a landmark acquisition of InterPositive, an AI‑driven filmmaking startup founded by Ben Affleck, for up to $600 million, largely cash with earn‑out provisions. The deal gives Netflix immediate access to tools that can correct lighting,...
Survey: GPs Grapple with Fund Finance Frictions
A new survey by Private Funds CFO reveals that general partners (GPs) are encountering significant frictions in fund finance. Sponsors express frustration over heavy information requirements and the cumbersome process of comparing lending term sheets. The study indicates that redundant...
Company Launches Nasdaq Debut as $HQ Tomorrow
Delighted to be able to share that we expect to begin trading on Nasdaq tomorrow as $HQ. After 7 years of work, it’s great to finally reach the starting line. $DMYY https://t.co/9tJ8iMXemJ
Wave Digital to Launch First Bitcoin‑Collateralized Rated Bond
"Wave digital is going to issue the first rated bond COLLATERALIZED by Bitcoin," says @EmanAbio https://t.co/oU2EeDw6Mf
London IPO Market May yet Recover in 2026, Peel Hunt Says
London’s IPO market, which ended a two‑year drought with a late‑2025 surge, may see a revival in 2026 according to Peel Hunt. The broker cites the strongest pipeline in years, heavily weighted toward the second half of the year. Geopolitical...
Bearish Pressure Threatens Previously Bullish Deal Market
The best news may be in the rearview... Bears encroach on bullish dealmaking market https://t.co/Gc2v7KSjbQ
The Record Date Myth: Why Most Investors Miss Out on Spin-Offs for No Reason
Investors often believe the spin‑off record date is the final deadline to secure shares of the new entity. In reality, shareholders can purchase the parent company up to the day before the spun‑off’s regular‑way trading begins and still receive the...
HSBC Mulls Up to 20,000 AI‑Driven Job Cuts, Targeting 10% of Workforce
HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery is weighing a plan to eliminate roughly 20,000 roles, about 10% of its global headcount, by automating middle‑ and back‑office functions with artificial intelligence. The move, part of a three‑to‑five‑year overhaul, could reshape cost structures across...
Predictive Analytics Flagged BVNKFinance Before Mastercard Deal
Crunchbase called it. Three months ago, we flagged @BVNKFinance as a likely acquisition target, & @Mastercard just announced plans to acquire it for up to $1.8B. That’s the power of predictions — you can spot opportunities early & move before competitors....
Iran War Slashes US M&A Deals by Half
The war in Iran has had a significant impact on the merger market. Month-to-date, just 6 public US M&A deals have been announced (worth a total of $56 billion), down -65% in number and -44% in value compared to last month....
Illinois Will Return to Market with a $1.4 Billion GO Deal
Illinois is set to re‑enter the municipal bond market next week with a $1.4 billion general‑obligation issuance. The proceeds will fund accelerated pension‑benefit payments, the Rebuild Illinois capital program, IT upgrades and other infrastructure projects. The deal includes a $200 million taxable...
Env Zero and CloudQuery Complete Merger to Create a Unified Cloud Intelligence Platform
env zero, a leading IaC governance platform, has merged with CloudQuery, a cloud asset management specialist, forming a unified cloud intelligence solution under the env zero brand. The combined offering merges continuous cloud asset discovery with automated infrastructure provisioning, promising end‑to‑end lifecycle...
Rollover Equity: A Business Owner’s Guide to Negotiating Terms and Maximizing Exit Outcomes
Rollover equity lets sellers reinvest part of their sale proceeds into the acquiring entity, giving them a minority stake and a potential "second bite of the apple" when the business is later sold. Private equity firms use it to reduce...
Goldman, JPMorgan Enable Hedge Funds to Short Private Credit
Goldman and JPMorgan are among investment banks offering hedge fund clients ways to bet against the $1.8 trillion private credit market https://t.co/oylGukMJd0
Citigroup Initiates Coverage on This Electric Vehicle Manufacturer with a Rare Buy Rating
Citi has initiated coverage on electric‑vehicle maker Lucid, issuing a rare buy rating and a $17 price target that implies roughly 71% upside from the current price. Analyst Michael Ward cites a "positive inflection point" with projected 2026 revenue of...
NRG Media to Sell Northern Wisconsin Stations to Midwest Communications
NRG Media announced the sale of its Northern Wisconsin radio portfolio, including WOBT‑AM and eleven FM translators, to Midwest Communications’ WRIG, Inc. The transaction expands Midwest’s presence in the Wausau and Rhinelander markets and brings a suite of sports‑talk programming...
Side Letter: Consolidation Complications
A limited partner (LP) is encountering challenges as recent M&A activity consolidates the private‑equity market, complicating side‑letter negotiations. The article notes that defensive investment strategies are already delivering returns, offsetting some of the consolidation risk. It also highlights Partners Group’s...