M&A Activity

CVC Capital Partners and Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK) have submitted a preliminary, non-binding joint proposal to take Kobayashi Pharmaceutical private at a valuation exceeding JPY500bn ($3.2bn). The founding family may also participate. Discussions are ongoing with financial advisers and investment banks engaged.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Kobayashi Pharmaceutical in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across Asia, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

Sir James Dyson (vacuum cleaner magnate) invested in Bath Rugby, marking a significant new ownership stake in the club.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Bath Rugby in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley's Black Knight took control of Exeter Chiefs as a new majority investor.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Exeter Chiefs in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

Red Bull took control of Newcastle Falcons roughly one year prior (August 2025), with the investment now fully operational and delivering commercial momentum.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Newcastle Falcons in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

Northampton Saints received new investment from external investors, part of broader capital wave into Premiership Rugby clubs.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Northampton Saints in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

Systematic Growth, owner of Swedish health supplements maker Wellma Group AB, is planning a sale of the Stockholm-based company valued at approximately €1 billion.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Wellma Group AB in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

TalkTalk is in final stages of closing deals to sell its consumer business and wholesale operation (PXC) to Opus Broadband and investment group Octopus Business. Company is facing administration threat and seeking to preserve 900 jobs through asset sales.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For TalkTalk in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

Lottomatica announced an all-share merger with Spain-headquartered CIRSA Enterprises on 2 September 2026, valued at €2.8bn-€3bn. Transaction expected to close Q2 2027, creating the second-largest listed betting and gaming operator globally with combined income >€4.4bn and pro-forma adjusted EBITDA ~€2bn.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Lottomatica Group in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

CIRSA (75% Blackstone-owned) announced merger with Lottomatica via all-share transaction on 2 September 2026. Will control 32.5% of combined entity and distribute extraordinary dividend of ~€262m (€1.56/share) to existing shareholders.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For CIRSA Enterprises in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across EMEA, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

Lumen is moving its stock listing from its current exchange to Nasdaq. This is a significant corporate restructuring action that does not require shareholder approval.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Lumen in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across Americas, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

GNK Holdings is exploring a potential cash tender offer to acquire Bark at $11.00 per share, citing frustration with pace of shareholder value creation. Shareholders invited to submit non-binding indications of interest by October 9, 2026.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For GNK Holdings in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across Americas, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →

Clearlake Capital's PrimeSource Brands portfolio company acquired JACLO, a decorative bath fixtures and plumbing products manufacturer founded in 1901. This is the 12th acquisition since 2020, indicating aggressive roll-up strategy in building materials/fixtures.

Leadership read: Consolidation shifts the leadership question from growth to integration. For Clearlake / PrimeSource Brands in the sector, the demand moves toward transformation and integration leaders who can merge teams, systems and cultures without losing momentum. Across Americas, watch whether the integration is properly resourced; deals are won or lost the year after they close.

curated · 2026-09-25 · context →