Nicolas Thomas

EQT Raises Bid One Last Time in Pursuit of Intertek Acquisition

Swedish private equity firm EQT has submitted a final takeover bid valuing Intertek at £9.4bn, or approximately $12.7bn, following the rejection of three previous proposals by the British group. Should the deal proceed, it would rank as the second-largest UK acquisition ever completed by a private equity firm. Intertek stated it is currently reviewing this fourth improved offer, as its shares rose roughly 6% on the London Stock Exchange, though they remain below the proposed offer price.

May 12, 2026 at 04:51 pm

TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and ConocoPhillips assess offshore project in Syria

TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and ConocoPhillips have signed an agreement with the Syrian Petroleum Company to launch a technical study on offshore Block 3, located off the coast of Latakia, Syria. This memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for discussions regarding potential commercial exploration. The initiative aligns with the new Syrian government's strategy to attract foreign investment into an energy sector severely weakened by years of civil war and international sanctions.

May 12, 2026 at 04:38 pm

PrimeStone ramps up pressure on Intertek following rejection of EQT bid

Activist investor PrimeStone Capital has called on Intertek's board to engage in "constructive" discussions with Swedish private equity firm EQT after the rejection of several sweetened takeover offers. In a letter published Monday, PrimeStone, which claims to hold approximately 0.5% of the British group's capital through its advised funds, argued that Intertek should grant limited data access to facilitate due diligence and adopt a more realistic stance regarding its valuation.

May 12, 2026 at 10:46 am

PrimeStone Increases Pressure on Intertek Following Rejection of EQT Bid

Activist investor PrimeStone Capital has urged the board of Intertek to engage in constructive discussions with Swedish private equity firm EQT after the rejection of several sweetened takeover offers. In a letter published Monday, PrimeStone, which holds approximately 0.5% of the British group through its advised funds, argued that Intertek should grant limited data access for due diligence and adopt a more realistic stance regarding its valuation.

May 11, 2026 at 09:59 pm

Commodities: Copper and lead are standing out

Copper prices were little changed on the LME on Thursday, supported by a weakening dollar, signs of robust demand in China and hopes for a de-escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran. However, the market remains cautious, pending further geopolitical news.

May 07, 2026 at 02:50 pm

Indices tumble as Iran reportedly fires on US vessel

May 04, 2026 at 01:31 pm

Universal Music to Cut Its Stake in Spotify and Step Up Share Buybacks

The music group is recalibrating its financial strategy by selling part of its holding in the streaming platform, while boosting share repurchases and maintaining its commitments to artists.

April 29, 2026 at 09:22 pm

Apple prepares for leadership transition focused on product and strategic prudence

As he prepares to take office, Apple's incoming CEO John Ternus embodies a pragmatic, hardware-centric innovation approach, contrasting with the massive artificial intelligence commitments of his competitors.

April 21, 2026 at 02:14 pm

MTU targets drone propulsion market with strategic acquisition

April 08, 2026 at 06:03 pm

MTU Targets Drone Propulsion With a Focused Acquisition

April 08, 2026 at 04:30 pm

Governance crisis at Indra: Chairman resigns

Indra's Chairman is stepping down following a conflict of interest linked to a controversial transaction. The episode underscores internal tensions and the growing influence of the Spanish state.

April 02, 2026 at 08:29 am

Governance crisis at Indra: chairman resigns

Indra's chairman is stepping down after a conflict of interest tied to a controversial deal. The episode highlights internal tensions and the growing influence of the Spanish state.

April 01, 2026 at 08:56 pm

Novo Nordisk cuts Wegovy prices to win over uninsured patients

The Danish drugmaker is stepping up its US commercial strategy as competition from Eli Lilly intensifies. It is betting on subscription offers and telemedicine partnerships to broaden access to its treatment.

March 31, 2026 at 05:14 pm

Volvo Becomes Lynk & Co's Exclusive Distributor in Europe

Volvo is stepping up synergies within the Geely group by taking over distribution of the Lynk & Co brand in Europe. The move is intended to speed up commercial development without additional investment.

March 30, 2026 at 07:51 pm

Paris and Berlin attempt to relaunch European FCAS fighter jet program

France and Germany are seeking to overcome tensions surrounding the Future Combat Air System program, weakened by industrial disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus.

March 17, 2026 at 09:20 pm

Kone in talks to acquire TK Elevator for up to EUR25bn

March 17, 2026 at 12:05 am

Kone in talks to buy TK Elevator for up to €25bn

March 16, 2026 at 10:03 pm

Webuild shares slide following disappointing 2026 outlook

Italian construction group Webuild reported better 2025 results, although its outlook for 2026 disappointed investors, causing its shares to tumble, down nearly 9% by noon. Operating profit (EBITDA) rose 18% to EUR1.16bn. Annual adjusted net profit increased by 13% to EUR280m, while revenue grew by 15% to EUR13.6bn.

March 12, 2026 at 04:50 pm

Webuild shares fall after 2026 outlook seen as disappointing

Italian construction group Webuild reported higher results for 2025, but its 2026 outlook disappointed investors, sending the stock down nearly 9% by mid-session. Operating profit (EBITDA) rose 18% to €1.16bn. Annual adjusted net profit increased 13% to €280m, while revenue climbed 15% to €13.6bn.

March 12, 2026 at 04:31 pm

Rio Tinto secures $1.18bn in financing for its lithium project in Argentina

The Anglo-Australian mining group strengthens funding for the Rincon mine, set to produce battery-grade lithium.

March 10, 2026 at 09:40 pm

Glencore Weighs an Australian Listing After Merger Talks With Rio Tinto Collapse

March 09, 2026 at 06:53 pm