Paramount made a strong showing at CinemaCon with announcements of new films and star-studded appearances, including a "Gladiator II" sequel and a Damien Chazelle project. Despite reports of a potential sale, the studio highlighted successful recent releases and upcoming films, while acknowledging the need for industry improvements to attract more moviegoers.
HashiCorp, a cloud computing software provider, is reportedly exploring options including a potential sale, and has been working with a financial adviser to gauge interest from potential buyers. The San Francisco-based company has already held exploratory talks with other industry players.
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is assembling a team of investors to make a bid to buy TikTok, expressing interest in acquiring the Chinese-owned social media giant despite potential challenges. Mnuchin aims to find a solution where the Chinese government will allow TikTok to be sold without a technology transfer, but faces opposition from China's measures to prevent the sale of sensitive technology. The House recently passed a measure to ban TikTok or force a sale to a US-operated owner, which now heads to the Senate, with President Joe Biden expressing willingness to sign it into law. However, tech analyst Dan Ives sees a 25% chance of the legislation becoming law, with potential buyers including tech giants like Microsoft or Oracle.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is reportedly interested in buying TikTok as the video-sharing app faces potential legislation that could force its sale or ban in the U.S. The bill requires ByteDance to "divest itself" of TikTok, leading to renewed interest from potential buyers, including Kotick, who is seeking partners for the acquisition. Despite controversies surrounding Kotick's tenure at Activision Blizzard, including allegations of a misogynistic workplace culture, he departed with a golden parachute after the company's sale to Microsoft.
U.K.-based AI processor developer Graphcore is reportedly exploring a potential sale due to financial challenges, with rumored buyers including Arm, OpenAI, and Softbank. Despite raising substantial funds, the company has struggled to gain traction in the AI processor market and faces the need to raise more funds by May 2024. The company's recent financial difficulties, including staff layoffs and office closures, have led to speculation about a potential sale, with national security scrutiny likely due to the strategic importance of AI technology.
Shari Redstone, the media tycoon and daughter of late Paramount CEO Sumner Redstone, is reportedly in talks to sell controlling interest in Paramount parent National Amusements to media and entertainment company Skydance. The potential sale could signal a major shakeup in the media industry as traditional TV companies struggle in the streaming age. Skydance, known for producing Paramount blockbusters, is said to be interested in Paramount's IP and movie studio, potentially leading to the sale of its TV assets. Other companies like Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery could also be looking to expand or sell. Paramount Global shares have surged in the past month but remain flat for the year.
Baltimore native David Rubenstein, co-founder and CEO of the Carlyle Group, a global investment firm, is reportedly in talks to buy the Baltimore Orioles. The negotiations are ongoing and a deal may be announced in the first half of next year, although it is not guaranteed. Rubenstein's potential ownership has sparked interest among Orioles fans, who hope for a change in ownership that could lead to increased spending on roster upgrades. However, other potential buyers and the Angelos family's decision to sell remain uncertain factors.
David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, is reportedly in talks to purchase the Baltimore Orioles, although nothing has been finalized and discussions could still fall apart. The Orioles have been owned by Peter Angelos since 1993, but recent health issues have led to his sons taking control of the franchise. The team has faced rumors about its availability and potential relocation, with a recent lawsuit settlement involving the Angelos family. Despite a previous announcement of a 30-year lease to keep the team at Camden Yards, negotiations with the state of Maryland have been challenging, as the Orioles seek additional revenue streams. The franchise is currently valued at just over $1.7 billion.
Endeavor Group Holding, the parent company of WME talent agency and other sports properties, is exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, to maximize shareholder value. However, the controlling interest in TKO Group Holdings, the merged company of UFC and WWE, will not be sold. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel stated that the evaluation is necessary due to the disparity between the company's public market value and the value of its underlying assets. TKO Group Holdings, with Emanuel as CEO, is expected to negotiate lucrative broadcast rights deals in the coming years. Endeavor previously sold off IMG Academy and may seek similar deals for other assets. The review process has no definitive timetable, and there is no guarantee of a sale.
Endeavor Group Holdings, led by CEO Ari Emanuel, has announced that it will explore strategic alternatives for the company, including a potential sale, due to the significant gap between its public market value and the value of its underlying assets. The news caused the company's stock to surge more than 10% in after-hours trading. This move comes shortly after French billionaire Francois-Henry Pinault purchased a majority stake in Endeavor's rival, Creative Artists Agency, for $7 billion. Endeavor's market value currently stands at $7.79 billion, having declined 21% this year.
Walt Disney Co has reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with regional TV station operator Nexstar Media Group regarding the potential sale of its U.S. TV network ABC. Disney's CEO had previously expressed openness to selling some of its traditional TV assets due to the challenges posed by streaming services. However, the talks are still in the early stages and may not result in a deal. Disney has not made a final decision on divesting ABC or any other property. Nexstar, which owns or partners with 200 stations in 116 markets, has not yet commented on the matter.
Brazilian cosmetics maker Natura &Co is considering the sale of its subsidiary, The Body Shop, as part of its efforts to improve profitability. The company's board of directors has authorized the search for "strategic alternatives," including a potential sale of the business. Natura recently sold its luxury brand Aesop to L'Oreal and has been focusing on discipline and deleveraging to bring back profitability. Analysts believe that a sale of The Body Shop could positively impact Natura's bottom line in the future.
Brazilian beauty conglomerate Natura & Co is considering a potential sale of The Body Shop after the skincare and cosmetics brand experienced declining sales for several quarters. Natura & Co, which owns Avon and Natura brands, has authorized its management to explore strategic alternatives for The Body Shop, including a potential sale. The brand has faced challenges in meeting customer demands and adapting to changing consumer habits during the pandemic. To revive sales, The Body Shop has focused on boosting digital sales and revamping its product line to prioritize skincare.
SentinelOne, an Israeli-founded cybersecurity company, is reportedly exploring options that could include a sale after its shares lost 80% of their value in the last two years. The company has hired investment bank Qatalyst Partners to advise on discussions with potential acquirers, including private equity firms. However, initial expressions of interest did not meet SentinelOne's valuation expectations, and it is possible that the talks may end without a deal. SentinelOne had benefited from increased technology spending during the Covid-19 pandemic but saw a decline as companies slashed their IT budgets.
Steelworkers at U.S. Steel are shocked and worried about the potential sale of the company, but their contract includes strict succession clauses that protect jobs, pay, and benefits if ownership changes. Multiple offers have been received, including bids from Cleveland-Cliffs and Esmark. The United Steelworkers Union has expressed concerns about the direction of the company and its investments. While the future remains uncertain, the union is closely monitoring the situation and will work to protect workers' rights and benefits.
