13 stories from 6 sources

Paramount’s Settlement Push Could Revive the WBD Deal

Day’s Recap

Supporting Articles

9:37 PMFinancial Times

Paramount in talks to settle antitrust lawsuit blocking WBD deal

Summary

Paramount is negotiating an agreement with a dozen Democratic-led states to end the antitrust lawsuit challenging its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. A settlement would remove the legal obstacle currently blocking the transaction.

The decisive shift is that Paramount may be moving from litigation toward a negotiated route

Why it matters

A settlement could revive one of the media industry's largest proposed consolidations while setting the terms for regulators' acceptance.

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6:43 PMVariety

Paramount and California AG Bonta Reportedly in ‘Advanced Talks’ to Settle Antitrust Suit

Summary

Paramount Skydance is reportedly in advanced talks with California Attorney General Rob Bonta to settle a 12-state antitrust lawsuit that is delaying its proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Neither side confirmed the negotiations, which remain confidential.

A settlement could remove a major legal obstacle to Paramount Skydance's Warner Bros. Discovery deal,

Why it matters

A settlement could determine whether one of the entertainment industry's biggest proposed mergers can proceed.

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2 stories · 2 sources

10:12 AMFinancial Times

Former Wells Fargo asset manager Allspring explores $4bn sale

Summary

Allspring, the asset manager formerly owned by Wells Fargo, is exploring a sale that could value the business at about $4 billion. The transaction would add to a series of deals reshaping the asset management industry.

A potential $4 billion exit would give Allspring's private equity owners a test of buyer

Why it matters

The process could reinforce consolidation among asset managers and set a valuation marker for similar businesses.

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12:35 PMBloomberg Markets

Blackstone Lands Loan for Data Center Cooling Firm Acquisition

Summary

Blackstone has secured a first lien term loan to finance its acquisition of a controlling stake in Flow Control Holdings, which supplies components for liquid cooling systems used in data centers.

The financing signals that private equity investors see data center cooling as critical infrastructure, not

Why it matters

Private equity is moving deeper into the supply chain that supports the data center buildout.

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10:27 AMBloomberg Markets

Spain Is Said to Be Open to Italian Buy of Olive Oil Firm Deoleo

Summary

Spain is now open to an Italian olive oil family taking control of Deoleo, according to officials familiar with the matter. The position marks a shift from the government’s earlier preference for a Spanish buyer.

Spain’s apparent change removes a political barrier to an Italian takeover of one of the

Why it matters

The shift increases the odds of a cross-border deal and signals a more flexible Spanish stance toward foreign ownership in food manufacturing.

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Other Developments

A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.

2:30 PMHousing Wire

Decron Properties Buys 163-Unit Property in L.A.’s Miracle Mile for $114M

Summary

Decron Properties acquired the 163-unit residential and retail property at 5550 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles for $114 million. The 2010-developed asset marks the firm's first Los Angeles acquisition in nearly two years and was bought at what Decron called a substantial discount to replacement cost.

The purchase signals Decron's selective return to the Los Angeles market after a two-year pause,

Why it matters

The deal shows that well-capitalized buyers can re-enter urban multifamily markets when distressed or discounted pricing offsets financing and operating risks.

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1:24 PMFinancial Times

PizzaExpress puts £500mn sale on the menu

Summary

PizzaExpress's owners, including Bain Capital's special situations unit and Cyrus Capital Partners, are working with Rothschild on a potential sale valued at about £500 million.

The owners have moved from holding the asset to testing its market value through a

Why it matters

The process could reveal whether buyers will pay a premium for a scaled restaurant brand despite the sector's operating pressures.

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4:37 AMBloomberg Markets

JPMorgan, Santander Lead £1.1 Billion Loan for Drax Solar Deal

Summary

JPMorgan, Santander and other banks are arranging more than £1 billion in debt to finance Drax Group's acquisition of renewable energy company Bluefield Solar Income Fund.

The financing gives Drax the capital to expand its renewable portfolio while shifting more of

Why it matters

Large-scale renewable consolidation remains financeable, but its economics increasingly depend on borrowing costs and reliable cash flow.

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3:40 AMBloomberg Markets

Prudential Exits AlexForbes as Motsepe’s ARC Boosts Stake

Summary

A firm linked to Patrice Motsepe is consolidating control of Alexander Forbes Group Holdings through a deal that will see Prudential Financial exit its investment in South Africa’s largest standalone retirement-fund administrator.

The transaction shifts Alexander Forbes toward concentrated ownership under Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital, while removing

Why it matters

The deal strengthens local control of a strategically important retirement-services platform.

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3:07 AMBloomberg Markets

PSA Is Said to Consider Selling Stake in Mumbai Port Operations

Summary

PSA International is considering selling a minority stake in its container terminal operations at Jawaharlal Nehru Port near Mumbai, according to people familiar with the matter.

A potential stake sale would bring a new investor into one of India's key container

Why it matters

A change in ownership at India's largest container port could affect future investment, competition, and port-sector valuations.

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1:00 AMEconomic Times

Yatharth Hospitals shares rally 10% to fresh record high as Advent set to acquire 25% stake; stock up 20% in two days

Summary

Advent International will invest Rs 3,150 crore for a 24.9% stake in Yatharth Hospitals, sending the company's shares more than 10% higher to a record and extending their two-day gain to 20%.

Advent's minority investment gives Yatharth substantial capital while validating the hospital chain's growth prospects in

Why it matters

The transaction could accelerate Yatharth's expansion while making its valuation more dependent on delivering the growth investors now expect.

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12:54 AMBloomberg Markets

PE Firms Said to Consider Fresh Bids for China Evergrande Unit

Summary

Private equity firms that previously pursued Evergrande Property Services are considering new offers for the Hong Kong-listed property management company, according to people familiar with the matter.

Potential bidders are returning to an asset tied to Evergrande's restructuring, suggesting the property services

Why it matters

Fresh bids could revive a stalled asset sale and provide a clearer test of value for Evergrande's remaining operating businesses.

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12:01 AMWWD

EXCLUSIVE: Extravaganza Beauty Buys Roja London Fragrance House, Plans for Growth, New Products

Summary

Extravaganza Beauty has acquired Roja London, with founder Roja Dove moving into a consulting role and CEO Audrey Minard working with the new owners. The company plans to expand the fragrance house in the Middle East and develop new products.

The acquisition changes Roja London's ownership while preserving continuity in its creative and operating leadership.

Why it matters

The deal reflects continued consolidation in niche fragrance as buyers seek distinctive brands with room to scale.

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