Waters acquires BD's biosciences unit in $17.5bn deal

BY Fraser Tennant

In a transaction that creates an innovative life science and diagnostics leader, US laboratory equipment maker Waters is to acquire medical technology firm Becton Dickinson (BD) for approximately $17.5bn.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, BD’s shareholders will own approximately 39.2 percent of the combined company, and existing Waters shareholders are expected to own approximately 60.8 percent. BD will also receive a cash distribution of approximately $4bn prior to completion of the combination, subject to adjustment for cash, working capital and indebtedness.

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both Waters and BD, is structured as a Reverse Morris Trust, where BD’s Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business will be spun-off to BD shareholders and simultaneously merged with a wholly owned subsidiary of Waters.

“This transaction marks a pivotal milestone in Waters’ transformation journey as we embark on a new chapter of growth and value creation,” said Flemming Ornskov, chairman of Waters. “We are confident that this combination will accelerate our strategy in multiple high-growth markets and deliver substantial near- and long-term value to our shareholders.”

The acquisition gives Waters greater scale, doubling its total addressable market to about $40bn, with a 5 to 7 percent annual growth rate. Additionally, over 70 percent of the combined company’s revenue is expected to be recurring annually and over half of instrument revenue is expected to be recurring within a typical five- to 10-year replacement cycle.

“This transaction is an important milestone for BD, as it enhances our strategic focus as a leading medical technology company,” said Tom Polen, chairman and chief executive of BD. “BD is committed to unlocking long-term value through continued investment in our strong innovation pipeline, and operational and commercial excellence that will drive durable and profitable growth.”

The transaction is expected to close around the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, Waters shareholder approval and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

“We are bringing together two pioneering organisations with a rich history of delivering breakthrough innovations driven by strong R&D investment and a common customer-centric culture,” said Udit Batra, president and chief executive of Waters. “Together, we will work to make this combination a resounding success for our stakeholders and deliver significant value for shareholders.”

News: Waters to buy Becton unit in a $17.5 billion deal amid tariff pressures

Huntington Bancshares agrees $1.9bn Veritex deal

BY Richard Summerfield

In a move to strengthen its position in Texas, Huntington Bancshares has agreed to acquire its smaller rival Veritex Holdings in an all-stock transaction valued at $1.9bn.

The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will see Veritex merge into Huntington, with Huntington continuing as the surviving entity. This strategic acquisition is anticipated to accelerate Huntington’s organic growth initiatives and bolster its market position in Texas, one of the fastest-growing economies in the US. Dallas-based Veritex operates over 30 branches in Texas, with total assets of about $13bn.

Under the terms of the agreement, Huntington will issue 1.95 shares for each outstanding share of Veritex in a 100 percent stock transaction. Based on Huntington’s closing price of $17.39 as of 11 July 2025, the consideration implies $33.91 per Veritex share or an aggregate transaction value of $1.9bn.

“This combination supports our ambitions and reflects our long-term commitment to the state of Texas, one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing economies in the country,” said Steve Steinour, chairman, president and chief executive of Huntington Bancshares. “The Veritex team brings deep local relationships, a strong commercial banking franchise and customer loyalty, and this partnership will serve as a springboard for substantial future growth in the state.”

“Veritex has always been a people and community focused bank,” said Malcolm Holland, chairman, president and chief executive of Veritex. “We have found a partner in Huntington Bank who shares and lives out those same values. We are very excited about becoming part of the Huntington family and bringing more capabilities to our Texas clients than ever before.”

Upon completion of the deal, Mr Holland will join Huntington in a non-executive role as chairman of Texas and continue his work to serve local customers and communities.

At the same time as the announced deal for Veritex, Huntington reported strong preliminary second-quarter results for 2025, with significant growth in loans, deposits and net interest income, reflecting its robust financial performance.

Huntington Bancshares has around $210bn in assets. Founded in 1866, the company provides a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management and risk management products and services to consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities and other organisations. Huntington operates 968 branches across 13 states in the US.

News: Huntington Bancshares signs $1.9 billion deal for rival Veritex in Texas push

Linqto files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

BY Richard Summerfield           

Private investment platform Linqto has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

The company, which enabled retail investors to purchase shares in pre-IPO companies like Ripple through series limited liability companies (LLCs), filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday citing “potentially insurmountable operating challenges” as the main driver behind the filing.

According to court documents, the firm’s investment vehicle, LiquidShares, holds securities valued at over $500m across 111 companies, including 4.7 million Ripple shares. The filing, which includes Linqto Inc. and affiliated entities, aims to protect asset value while restructuring operations under judicial oversight. Linqto will continue limited business activities during proceedings and secured up to $60m in debtor-in-possession financing from Sandton Capital Partners to maintain critical operations.

“After carefully evaluating Linqto’s alternatives, the board of directors made the decision that seeking a court-supervised restructuring was in the best interests of all Linqto customers to preserve, protect, and maximize the value of Linqto’s assets for the benefit of its stakeholders,” said Dan Siciliano, chief executive of Linqto. “Linqto cannot continue to operate under existing conditions without restructuring. The company faces potentially insurmountable operating challenges as a result of serious alleged securities law violations and related ongoing investigations by the Division of Enforcement of the US Securities and Exchange Commission as well as other regulatory agencies. In addition, Linqto recently discovered several serious defects in the corporate formation, structure, and operation of the business that raise questions about what customers actually own and which management believes can only be fairly and effectively addressed through restructuring.”

He continued: “When the new management team was hired in early 2025, we made it clear that there can be no path forward that preserves value of customer interests without remediating alleged securities laws violations from prior management and not breaking the law. Despite reducing expenses, the only way forward is to seek court-supervised protection that will let us restructure the business into a profitable, law-abiding organization while resolving the ongoing regulatory investigations faster.”

The company has faced increased scrutiny from US regulators of late. According to The Wall Street Journal, internal reviews of the company have also raised serious red flags. Linqto allegedly marketed private equity investments to ineligible retail investors, failed to properly transfer title of securities to customers, and sold Ripple shares to users at markup levels far above the 10 percent cap permitted by the SEC.

Linqto has appointed Jeffrey S. Stein of Breakpoint Partners as its chief restructuring officer and has said it intends to cooperate with regulators throughout the process.

News: Linqto Files for Voluntary Chapter 11 to Protect and Maximize Stakeholder Value Through Court-Supervised Restructuring

Athora to acquire PICG in £5.7bn deal

BY Fraser Tennant

In a landmark UK pension deal, pan-European savings and retirement services group Athora is to acquire specialist UK insurer Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited (PICG) in a transaction valued at £5.7bn.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the acquisition – which is expected to close in early 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals from the Prudential Regulation Authority – will be funded primarily by equity as well as long term bank debt.

Backed by US alternative asset manager Apollo Global Management and Athene Holding Ltd, as well as a number of long term institutional investors, Athora has €76bn of assets under management and administration and serves approximately 2.8 million policyholders.  

As a result of the transaction, PICG will become Athora’s UK subsidiary, maintaining its long-tenured team, dedication to customer service, robust capitalisation and disciplined investment philosophy.

“We are pleased for PICG to become Athora’s first UK insurance business, maintaining its great team, brand and utmost commitment to serving its customers,” said Mike Wells, group chief executive of Athora. “The acquisition by Athora will enhance access to long-term growth capital and asset origination capabilities, enabling PIC to serve more of the UK savings and retirement market, where it has already established itself as a top three provider in pension risk transfer.”

Upon completion of the transaction, PICG will become Athora’s UK insurance business, operating under the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) and penguin brands.

“PIC has had an amazing growth story over the past two decades and is now one of Britain’s preeminent pension businesses,” said Tracy Blackwell, chief executive of PIC. “Athora’s investment is validation of what we have always believed: that PIC’s reputation, strategy, fortress balance sheet, purpose and, most importantly, our people, combine to make this a unique business in a huge and growing market.”

In addition, PIC is poised to benefit from broader resources, long term growth capital and enhanced asset origination capabilities, including in private investment grade credit resulting from Athora’s strategic relationship with Apollo. Together, Athora and PIC believe the combination will accelerate scaled, high-grade financing in the UK market, increasing productive investment in the economy and supporting retirement outcomes for pensioners.

Ms Blackwell concluded: “With Athora backing us through our next phase of growth as their UK insurance business, we will be able to provide more options to the trustees of defined benefit pension schemes and invest more in the UK economy and infrastructure.”

News: Apollo-backed Athora to buy Pension Insurance Corporation for $7.8 bln

Chipmaker Wolfspeed files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

BY Fraser Tennant

Amid huge debt and slowing demand from electric vehicle and industrial markets, chipmaker Wolfspeed has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate the implementation of a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with key lenders.

Upon emergence from the Chapter 11 process, Wolfspeed expects to have reduced its overall debt by approximately 70 percent, representing a reduction of approximately $4.6bn and a reduction of its annual total cash interest payments by approximately 60 percent.

The company raised going-concern doubts in May 2025, as deepening economic uncertainty stemming from changing US trade policies, combined with weakening demand, triggered a series of financial challenges.

However, through the Chapter 11 filing and RSA, Wolfspeed expects to be better positioned to execute on its long-term growth strategy and accelerate its path to profitability. Concurrently, the company is continuing to operate as usual throughout the process, including delivering silicon carbide materials and devices to its customers and paying its vendors in the ordinary course.

“We are continuing to move forward with our accelerated restructuring process to strengthen our capital structure and fuel our next phase of growth,” said Robert Feurle, chief executive of Wolfspeed. “With a stronger financial foundation, Wolfspeed will be better positioned to move faster on our strategic priorities and maintain our position as a global leader in the silicon carbide market. The strong support of our lenders is a testament to their belief in our business and our ability to capitalise on the opportunities ahead, driven by our exceptional, purpose-built, fully automated 200mm manufacturing footprint.”

As the pioneers of silicon carbide – a more energy-efficient material than traditional silicon – and creators of the most advanced semiconductor technology on earth, Wolfspeed leads the market in the worldwide adoption of silicon carbide technologies that power the world’s most disruptive innovations.

Wolfspeed expects to move through the Chapter 11 process swiftly and emerge by the end of the third quarter of 2025.

“We remain laser-focused on delivering cutting-edge products to our customers and working with our vendors in the normal course,” concluded Mr Feurle. “I am confident that the restructuring process will better position Wolfspeed to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor market.”

News: Wolfspeed files for bankruptcy protection to cut worsening debt