Pharma execs gathering for the JPMorgan healthcare conference expect a robust M&A wave as patent expirations threaten about 12% of industry revenue, with roughly $40bn in sales losing protection this year and about $180bn more going off patent in 2027–28. Big moves are already underway (Merck eyeing Revolution Medicines; Lilly buying Ventyx), and improved pricing-policy clarity under the current administration has lifted deal enthusiasm, pushing the S&P Biotech index to multi-year highs and fueling speculation of even larger consolidations amid a potentially friendlier antitrust environment.
Warner Bros is planning to reject Paramount's latest hostile takeover bid, indicating ongoing corporate negotiations and competition in the media industry.
Warner Bros. Discovery plans to reject Paramount's amended takeover bid, citing concerns over the offer's financial terms and control issues, with a board meeting scheduled next week to decide on the response.
In 2025, Hollywood stocks experienced a mixed year with notable gains for Warner Bros. Discovery, Sphere Entertainment, Fox, and Imax, driven by M&A activity, while Netflix and cinema operators faced challenges. The year was marked by industry consolidation, the rise of AI, and fluctuating performance across media sectors, with long-term growth prospects linked to AI, streaming recovery, and increased entertainment spending.
In 2025, crypto dealmaking hit a record $8.6 billion driven by US government support and industry consolidation, with expectations of continued growth into 2026 as new regulations and stablecoin demand shape the market.
Jim Cramer is optimistic about the impact of mergers and acquisitions on the market in 2026, highlighting major deals like Warner Bros Discovery and potential IPOs of OpenAI and SpaceX, which could influence supply and demand dynamics and drive bullish sentiment.
A record-breaking $463.6 billion in mergers and acquisitions is driving a busy holiday season for dealmakers worldwide, with many working through Christmas to close major deals like Warner Bros' bidding war, amid a broader, aggressive M&A market fueled by geopolitical uncertainties and less antitrust scrutiny.
The article discusses the long history of failed mergers and acquisitions involving Warner Bros., highlighting the disastrous AOL-Time Warner merger of 2000 as a prime example, and explores reasons why such corporate marriages often go wrong, including overpayment, cultural clashes, and misjudged synergies, with recent potential acquisitions facing similar risks.
Pfizer has agreed to acquire weight-loss drug startup Metsera in a deal potentially worth over $10 billion, outbidding Novo Nordisk amid a competitive market for obesity treatments. The deal includes cash and performance-based payouts, giving Pfizer access to new obesity therapies and strengthening its position in a rapidly growing market. The transaction is expected to close after shareholder approval, with Pfizer aiming to leverage its global scale to expand obesity drug development.
Pfizer and Novo Nordisk are engaged in a fierce bidding war to acquire Metsera, with Pfizer matching Novo's $10 billion bid amid escalating tensions, as Metsera's stock surges and shareholder votes approach, highlighting intense competition in the obesity drug market.
Warner Bros. Discovery is planning to announce a strategic review and potential sale or split by December, with Paramount expressing interest in acquiring the company and considering a hostile bid if negotiations fail. Paramount argues its offer is more valuable than a breakup, while WBD explores options including splitting into two companies and selling assets, amid interest from other major players like Comcast and Netflix.
Warner Bros. Discovery's stock rose over 3% following reports that Netflix is exploring a bid to acquire part of the company, which is currently considering various options including a sale of its assets after a recent corporate split. Netflix has engaged an investment bank to evaluate a potential offer, which could give it control over major franchises like Harry Potter and DC Comics. The news has positively impacted Warner Bros. Discovery's stock, which has surged 111% this year, while Netflix's stock has also gained significantly, especially after a recent stock split.
Netflix is exploring a potential bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming assets, having hired a bank to evaluate the opportunity and gaining access to the company's financial data, amid interest from other major tech and media firms.
Pfizer is considering leveraging its political connections, particularly with President Trump, to counter Novo Nordisk's bid for obesity biotech firm Metsera, amid concerns over market dominance and antitrust issues, as Pfizer faces setbacks in its obesity drug development and seeks to strengthen its market position.
Novo Nordisk has made a $6.5 billion unsolicited bid to acquire Metsera, intensifying competition with Pfizer, which had previously agreed to buy the company for $4.9 billion. The move highlights the fierce rivalry in the obesity drug market and the strategic importance of Metsera's GLP-1 mimicking drug, amid challenges faced by Novo Nordisk from pricing pressures and competition.
