M&A: Willis Towers Watson merger believed to be able to survive inversion rule changes unscathed April 10, 2016 The announced changes to the US inversion rules will not turn one of the insurance industry's most high-profile mergers on its head, the firm involved announced late last week. Willis Towers Watson, which was formed out of the successful merger of Towers Watson and Willis Group Holdings in January, issued a statement remarking that it did [...]
Marriott and Starwood share prices rise as shareholders approve $12.4bn takeover – bringing the creation of the world’s largest hotel chain one step closer April 8, 2016 Shareholders have approved the $12.4bn (£8.8bn) takeover of Starwood Hotels by Marriott International – meaning the creation of the world's largest hotel chain has just come a step closer. In joint statement today, the pair said shareholders of both companies had approved the merger – with 97 per cent of Marriott shareholders and 95 per [...]
Verizon Communications lines up bid for Yahoo’s web business, with Google and others also considering moves April 7, 2016 Verizon Communications is said to be interested in bidding for Yahoo's web business. The share price of Yahoo initially shot up when news of the potential bid emerged, before closing down 1.3 per cent at $36.17. Verizon's shares closed down nearly 2.8 per cent at $51.99. Read more: Yahoo-h dear. Web portal expects 15 per cent revenue [...]
Pfizer’s failed $160bn bid for Allergan is the largest withdrawn deal on record April 6, 2016 The giant pharma deal thwarted by new US tax inversion rules is the biggest transaction that has ever been withdrawn, according to financial software firm Dealogic. Viagra-maker Pfizer's $160bn (£113bn) takeover of Botox manufacturer Allergan was called off yesterday, following the introduction of new rules by the US Treasury. It was thought that US firm Pfizer [...]
Pfizer-Allergan merger collapse stokes fears M&A bonanza is coming to an end April 6, 2016 The biggest pharmaceuticals deal in history, a planned $160bn (£113bn) merger of US company Pfizer and Ireland’s Allergan, was abandoned today as a result of a US government crackdown on so-called tax inversions. The collapse of the blockbuster deal has stoked fears that last year’s M&A bonanza is coming to an end. Read more: More [...]
Pfizer confirms it has has scrapped its $160bn merger with Allergan – but UK pharma is dancing on its grave April 6, 2016 It looks like new tax inversion rules killed the M&A star, after Pfizer confirmed it has killed off its plans for a $160bn (£114bn) merger with Irish botox maker Allergan. In a statement today, the company said the decision had been driven by new US rules aimed at preventing so-called tax inversions, announced on Monday. “Pfizer approached this transaction [...]
London Stock Exchange chief executive Xavier Rolet: Brexit impact would be “substantial” – Thatcher’s Britain should lead, not leave, the European Union April 5, 2016 Xavier Rolet believes the impact of a Brexit on the City would be "substantial" and "almost immediate" following the referendum. Instead of exiting the European Union, the London Stock Exchange chief executive wants Britain to channel the spirit of Margaret Thatcher and lead the continent to a new era of strong economic growth. Rolet was speaking to City A.M. during [...]
London Stock Exchange boss Xavier Rolet fires warning shot towards US rivals as merger battle heats up April 5, 2016 The head of the London Stock Exchange has fired a warning shot towards American rivals that are threatening to gatecrash its proposed merger with the German company Deutsche Boerse. In an explosive interview with City A.M., Xavier Rolet savages the record of US giants that have bought into the continent in recent years, and insists [...]
New York Stock Exchange owner secures financing for £10bn London Stock Exchange takeover bid to rival proposed Deutsche Boerse merger April 4, 2016 The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is understood to have secured funding for a £10bn takeover bid for the London Stock Exchange (LSE). ICE, which owns the New York Stock Exchange, confirmed it was considering a bid in early March shortly after the LSE said it was in merger talks with Deutsche Boerse. The LSE and Deutsche [...]
William Hill teams up with SkyBet to help fund £270m NYX acquisition of OpenBet April 4, 2016 Bookmaker William Hill has teamed up with rival SkyBet to invest in Canadian gaming supplier NYX, which has announced the acquisition of OpenBet for £270m. As part of the agreement, William Hill is investing £80m in the takeover and a further £10m in equity. SkyBet is contributing £20m. Read more: Jefferies downgrade continues William Hill's losing streak [...]