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Public Markets

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

MGM Resorts Explores Acquisition by Barry Diller

MGM Resorts International is in deal talks with Barry Diller’s People Inc. for a potential acquisition. Diller, who already holds a stake in the casino operator, reportedly offered to buy the remaining portion of the company in early June according to sources familiar with the matter. The discussions were first reported by The Wall Street Journal and also noted by Bloomberg Markets.

Public Offerings and Corporate Finance Activity

Nuclear energy services firm Holtec Nuclear Corp. filed US, aiming to capitalize on increased power demands from data centers. Similarly, Apnimed Inc., backed by Shionogi to fund the development of its sleep apnea drug. Menswear company Tailored Brands Inc. also filed publicly for its IPO, marking a return to public markets. Fusion startup General Fusion, is preparing for its Nasdaq debut. Meanwhile, SK Hynix on its first day of US trading, opening at $170 a share, above its IPO price of $149. Nasdaq’s president indicated that SK Hynix’s successful listing to list in the US. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and indicated openness to issuing more US shares for SK Hynix if returns are strong as reported by Bloomberg Markets.

Market Dynamics and Economic Indicators

The WSJ Dollar Index declined 0.1% for the week, ending at 97.20. U.S. natural gas futures following a larger than expected inventory build and planned maintenance at Freeport LNG. Oil futures amid renewed skirmishes in the Middle East, though the WSJ noted that oil retreated again in another report. The IEA warned of a potential crunch in petrol and diesel supply and ongoing conflicts, even as oil demand recovery is underway according to the WSJ. Gold and silver. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are on track for weekly gains, overcoming volatility related to U.S.-Iran tensions, while the Dow is set for a loss. The Czech central bank, with inflation likely to return to its 2% target this year. Europeans are showing a shift in savings habits toward investment funds, according to ING economists.

Legal and Regulatory Developments

The New York Times of retaliation in a lawsuit claiming discrimination against a white male employee. Apple has, alleging theft of confidential information, signaling a breakdown in their relationship. Central Falls Detention Facility Corp., a jail operator housing federal detainees, filed for bankruptcy citing an inability to afford its bond debt. In the UK, automobile manufacturers including Ford and Nissan are fighting a large portion of a multibillion-pound ‘dieselgate’ lawsuit. Circle received approval to establish a national trust bank, a significant step for its cryptocurrency-focused banking ambitions. The EU has warned Meta over the addictive nature of Facebook and Instagram feeds as reported by the FT.

Corporate Dealmaking and Strategy

Apollo Global Management Inc. is nearing a record year for acquisitions, with deals involving easy Jet and Bayer. The private equity firm outbid rival Castlelake for easy Jet in a last-minute twist. Bayer is selling a stake in its contraceptives business to Apollo for €3 billion. Aston Martin’s creditors, including Arini Capital Management and BlackRock, have joined forces to prevent the luxury carmaker from pursuing certain debt deals. Warburg Pincus is nearing a deal valued at over $7 billion for specialty-pharmacy company PANTHERx Rare. BHP Group is exploring the sale of a desalination plant and power lines in Chile. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. is evaluating its India strategy, including its stake in Yes Bank. JD.com-backed entities are preparing to file for a real estate investment trust IPO in Singapore.

Automotive and Transportation Sector News

Volkswagen and BMW in the second quarter, largely due to a worsening slump in China’s market, where competition from domestic rivals and a property crisis are impacting demand. Volkswagen is as sales in China plunge, struggling to compete with more affordable electric vehicles from Chinese companies. Delta Air Lines reported due to elevated fuel costs, with jet fuel costs rising 77% year-over-year due to the Iran conflict. Police nationwide are adapting to directing autonomous taxis, learning how to manage and enforce traffic laws for driverless vehicles.

Energy and Space Sector Developments

China launched rocket utilizing a giant floating net to recover its booster, a step toward reusable rocket technology. The FCC has designed to reflect solar rays onto the Earth's dark side, despite public outcry. Echobox Bulls suggest that traders can gain discounted exposure to SpaceX through Echo Star Corp. according Bloomberg.

Other Notable Business and Market Reports

Exxon Mobil supports SEC to replace quarterly financial reporting with semiannual disclosures. China Vanke Co. loss could to $2.2 billion due to lower margins and impairment charges. French billionaire Xavier Niel after acquiring a significant stake, with analysts expecting him to push for cost cuts. Atlassian fired worker, according to a federal labor law judge, marking a rare legal victory for tech employees. Circle won a license for certain US banking activities. The US stock market, with SK Hynix’s debut contributing to the rise. Retail traders, despite being strong supporters of the market, as they chase other assets instead of the S&P 500. Hedge fund Deem from Abu Dhabi’s ADIC. Miners are facing increasing demand for turbines, but only a few companies manufacture the necessary parts as reported by the WSJ.

Private Equity

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Private Equity Firms Secure Significant Capital and Pursue Diverse Sector Investments

Harbour Vest Partners has successfully closed its seventh direct co-investment program, HCF VII, raising approximately $4.75 billion in commitments, surpassing its target exceeding expectations. This capital infusion will likely fuel further co-investment activities. In a separate development, Ares Management is backing Firebird Music's new $750 million fund dedicated to acquiring music rights, collaborating with The Raine Group to finance catalogue acquisitions in the recorded music sector providing a significant boost. Meanwhile, Warburg Pincus has agreed to invest in Creditor Watch, an Australian commercial credit reporting and risk analytics platform, a move that expands the private equity firm's footprint in Asia deepening its presence.

AI and Cybersecurity Draw Billion-Dollar Investments Amidst Broader Tech Funding Activity

Venture funding this week saw artificial intelligence continue its dominance, accounting for five of the ten largest announced rounds, including two billion-dollar financings for AI infrastructure and cybersecurity leading the pack. The sector's appeal remains strong, even as some early-stage ventures face scrutiny. In a notable instance, Yann LeCun’s newly launched fund has reportedly shut down due to emerging exclusivity relationships ceasing operations. Separately, a lawsuit filed by college application platform Fizz alleges that a VC firm shared confidential startup information with a rival, Sidechat, during a fundraising meeting accusing misconduct.

Private Equity Eyes Healthcare and Human Resources Tech Sectors

Private equity firms are actively targeting the healthcare sector, with Apollo, Kain, and OMERS focusing on primary care, driven by its increasing need for digital infrastructure. Concurrently, KKR has launched a new platform aimed at leveraging innovation within the medical device industry. The human resources technology sector has also seen considerable deal activity. Shore Capital, Lightyear, and Bridgepoint have signed deals in HR tech, while Apollo is reportedly bidding for the budget airline EasyJet. Center Gate Capital has invested in Canadian Dental Labs, which operates eleven dental laboratories across Canada.

Major Players Circle Qiagen; SoftBank and Pay Pay Consider Seven & i Investment

European molecular testing company Qiagen has attracted early takeover interest from prominent private equity firms, including EQT, Advent, and KKR drawing early interest. The potential acquisition signals a significant transaction in the life sciences sector. In Japan, SoftBank Corp and mobile payments operator Pay Pay are reportedly in discussions to invest in Seven & i Holdings, the owner of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain considering an investment. This potential deal is unfolding amidst an ongoing buyout saga for the Japanese retail giant.

Investor Consultations and European Tech Dynamics

The Minnesota State Board of Investment is seeking a general investment consultant, issuing a request for proposal seeking a consultant. Meanwhile, European tech's once-hot sector is experiencing shifting investor sentiment, with "tourist investors" reportedly falling out of favor. Sovereign capital, global chipmakers, and serial investors are behind Europe's emerging unicorns, underscoring a dynamic investment environment. Discussions around "physical AI" suggest it represents Europe's remaining opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global economy. Pasqal's SPAC filings reveal over $500 million in fresh funding, alongside concerns about "French state influence" and a valuation increase of 100 times. The concept of Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) is also under review, with the understanding that not all ARR is created equal.

Sector Investment

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Real Estate and Infrastructure Fundraising Slows

Real estate fundraising in the first half of 2026, though approximately 70% of funds that closed met or surpassed their targets. Meanwhile, M&G is focusing on diversification within its £4bn infrastructure portfolio and continues to seek U.S. assets and secondary market opportunities.

Healthcare Compliance Gains Traction

In the healthcare sector, compliance is. Anish Majmudar, founder and CEO of Calyx Compliance, with three decades of experience, notes that compliance is shifting from an afterthought to a deliberate consideration in transactions.