Archive

Mega Deals Make a Return

Christina Minnis, Goldman Sachs Global Head of Credit & Asset Finance and Head of Global Acquisition Finance says the M&A engine is finally humming again — liquidity is flush, credit spreads are attractive, and boardroom confidence is back.

Christina Minnis, Goldman Sachs Global Head of Credit & Asset Finance and Head of Global Acquisition Finance says the M&A engine is finally humming again — liquidity is flush, credit spreads are attractive, and boardroom confidence is back. She joined Bloomberg Open Interest to talk about the return of a real M&A cycle. (Source: Bloomberg)

Paramount’s WBD bid relegates Netflix to a supporting role

But big media tie-ups have a poor record at creating value.

But big media tie-ups have a poor record at creating value

Paramount Ups the Ante

Paramount crashes the party — launching its own bid for Warner Brothers just days after Netflix struck a deal.

Paramount crashes the party — launching its own bid for Warner Brothers just days after Netflix struck a deal. Michael Wolf of Activate joined Bloomberg Open Interest. He says that the proposed Netflix–Warner combo could be a blockbuster win for Netflix, with HBO supercharging what’s already the default streaming service. (Source: Bloomberg)

XRP needs a Solana-style strategy to keep up: Ripple executive

Luke Judges highlights how XRP Ledger’s tech and developer tools could take cues from Solana to stay competitive among layer-1 networks.

Luke Judges highlights how XRP Ledger’s tech and developer tools could take cues from Solana to stay competitive among layer-1 networks.

Non-Banks Are Now a Big Banking Business

Hello and welcome to the newsletter, a grab bag of daily content from the Odd Lots universe.

Hello and welcome to the newsletter, a grab bag of daily content from the Odd Lots universe. Sometimes it's us, Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway, bringing you our thoughts on the most recent developments in markets, finance and the economy. And sometimes it's contributions from our network of expert guests and sources. Whatever it is, we promise it will always be interesting.

Fed Independence Risk Troubles Kavanaugh in Trump Firing Fight

A key US Supreme Court justice indicated he wants to protect the Federal Reserve’s independence as the conservative majority weighed giving President Donald Trump power to fire members of the Federal Trade Commission and similar independent agencies.

A key US Supreme Court justice indicated he wants to protect the Federal Reserve’s independence as the conservative majority weighed giving President Donald Trump power to fire members of the Federal Trade Commission and similar independent agencies.

Poland’s Biggest Utility Removes CEO Before Decision on Bills

Poland’s biggest energy utility PGE SA ousted Chief Executive Officer Dariusz Marzec a week before a regulatory decision on electricity bills.

Poland’s biggest energy utility PGE SA ousted Chief Executive Officer Dariusz Marzec a week before a regulatory decision on electricity bills.

Chicago Budget Talks Hit Impasse as Year-End Deadline Looms

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city council are at an impasse over how to close a nearly $1.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city council are at an impasse over how to close a nearly $1.2 billion deficit as the deadline to pass a budget approaches.

Zimbabwe Fires Mines Minister Chitando, Elevates Kambamura

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired Mines Minister Winston Chitando, who had held the post for more than a year, without giving any reasons for the decision.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired Mines Minister Winston Chitando, who had held the post for more than a year, without giving any reasons for the decision.

Comcast Joined Warner Bros. Bidding War Knowing Odds Were Low

Comcast Corp.

Comcast Corp. President Mike Cavanagh said his company walked away from the bidding process for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., knowing that the company’s offer didn’t have a “high likelihood” of winning out.

Investors’ bearishness is often overdone — but their bubble fears may be spot-on

There was widespread concern about dot-com stocks and the housing market before those crashes.

There was widespread concern about dot-com stocks and the housing market before those crashes.

Paramount’s hostile $108 billion bid for Warner Bros. is backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law

Paramount’s hostile bid for Warner Bros.

Paramount’s hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery is getting some help from the Trump family.

European Gas Market Could See Near-Round-the-Clock Trading

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

Intercontinental Exchange Inc. is in talks with European market participants about extending the trading hours of the region’s gas benchmark, a move that would align it with other global energy products.

Musk suggests this underrated AI business could be a big driver of SpaceX’s valuation

With SpaceX’s valuation expected to skyrocket, its CEO largely credits satellites, rocket launches — and the company’s plan to solve a major AI-industry problem.

With SpaceX’s valuation expected to skyrocket, its CEO largely credits satellites, rocket launches — and the company’s plan to solve a major AI-industry problem.

Paramount, Netflix and the Battle for Warner Bros.

Paramount launched a $108 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros.

Paramount launched a $108 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros., days after the company agreed to a deal with Netflix. Peter Elstrom explains the battle for one of the biggest names in Hollywood. (Source: Bloomberg)

Berkshire Hathaway Unveils Leadership Shakeup

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. announced a handful of leadership changes including the retirement of its longtime chief financial officer, as the $1 trillion conglomerate prepares for the retirement of Warren Buffett. Marc Hamburg will end his 40-year tenure at the firm in 2027 and hand over his role as chief financial officer next year to Charles Chang, according to a statement Monday. Separately, Nancy Pierce will become CEO of Geico, filling a spot held by Todd...

The Netflix age has been great for consumers but terrible for artists

Returns to musicians and writers are dwindling fast.

Returns to musicians and writers are dwindling fast

EQT Assures Investors on Co-Investment Fees Amidst Growth Plans

EQT, the Swedish investment firm, has sought to reassure institutional investors regarding its co-investment fee structure after CEO Per Franzen's remarks sparked concerns. The firm, which has generated €17 billion ($19.8 billion) in co-investment opportunities over the past year, is preparing to launch a new €23 billion flagship fund predominantly funded by institutional capital.

Stifel Financial's Eaton Partners Faces Executive Departures Amid Secondary Market Strategies

Stifel Financial's Eaton Partners subsidiary sees the exit of co-heads Dirk Jonske and Adrian Siew, who led the GP Solutions advisory business focused on private market fundraising. Their departure reflects the ongoing shifts in the private asset management landscape, particularly regarding secondary market activities and continuation funds.

Bain Capital and SMBC Unveil €1.5bn Joint Lending Platform to Support European Corporates

Bain Capital has partnered with SMBC to launch a new European loan platform offering up to €1.5bn in senior secured credit to corporate borrowers. This joint venture aims to leverage both firms' strengths in leveraged finance and asset management to capitalize on opportunities in the syndicated loan market.