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The advertising world is changing fast — mergers can help firms stay ahead of the curve

Dec 9, 2024
Omnicom says its acquisition of rival Interpublic Group makes it well positioned to grow under the “new era of marketing."
The rise of AI and social media have disrupted the advertising industry. Omnicom hopes its merger with IPG will keep the company ahead of the curve.
Noam Galai/Getty Images

Why mergers and acquisitions are an economic indicator

Nov 7, 2024
They're the ultimate bets companies can make on their futures. So M&A activity can reflect confidence in the economy.
If there’s a big increase in merger and acquisition activity, that means companies are feeling confident about the future.
Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty Images

What is a SPAC, and why do companies use them?

Mar 25, 2024
SPAC stands for special purpose acquisition company. It's how the parent company of Donald Trump's Truth Social platform is planning to go public.
Trump Media & Technology Group could start trading on the market as early as today thanks to an assist from a SPAC.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Acquire or be acquired may be the new reality for small and midsize banks

Mar 14, 2024
Many are struggling with high deposit rates and shaky commercial real estate portfolios. Some seek to bulk up as a solution.
First Republic failed and was absorbed by JPMorgan Chase. Due to pressures in the banking industry, some expect to see more consolidation.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Diamondback and Endeavor merger continues the trend of bigger, fewer oil companies

Feb 12, 2024
Publicly held Diamondback Energy is buying privately held oil driller Endeavor Energy Resources, creating a company worth $50 billion.
 There were more than $100 billion worth of oil and gas mergers and acquisitions in the Permian Basin in 2023.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Corporate borrowing is up this month, despite rising interest rates

May 19, 2023
Recent mergers and the ongoing debt limit negotiations in Congress could be prompting companies to borrow more.
Large mergers, like Pfizer’s $43 billion purchase of the biotech company Seagen, is one reason why corporate borrowing is up this month.
Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images

Rural towns fear Kroger-Albertsons merger will close stores and raise prices

May 2, 2023
The companies’ plans have drawn skepticism from trade unions, consumer advocate groups and Colorado's attorney general.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks during a town hall meeting in Cañon City about the planned merger of Kroger and Albertsons. He said he may challenge the deal in court.
Matt Bloom/CPR News

For public good, not for profit.

A UK regulator has blocked the Microsoft-Activision merger. But don't blame it on Brexit.

Apr 26, 2023
Some experts say the decision is rooted in the U.K.'s efforts to develop its own tech industry.
The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority said a merger of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard would hamper innovation and reduce choice for gamers.
Belinda Jiao/Getty Images

FTC sues to block Microsoft-Activision Blizzard $69 billion merger

Dec 8, 2022
The Federal Trade Commission said Microsoft's planned takeover could suppress competitors.
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

How would a Kroger-Albertsons merger change grocery prices?

Oct 14, 2022
Kroger would become a bigger competitor against giants like Walmart, giving it more bargaining power over suppliers.
Though Kroger recently announced plans to buy Albertsons, it's unclear what that would mean for customers' grocery bills.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images