Business
Startups continue buying startups at high pace in 2026
More than 440 venture-backed startups have acquired others in the first half of 2026, with AI and fintech firms leading the trend. Deal flow remains robust despite a slight dip in overall counts.
Vision Marine signs non-binding reverse takeover deal with unmanned systems firm
Aiming to shift into autonomous systems, Vision Marine Technologies will merge with an undisclosed private company in a deal requiring $25 million in financing and $100 million in purchase orders by 2027.
nVent to buy Maverick Power for $1.75 billion in data center push
Deal expands nVent’s power infrastructure portfolio with low- and medium-voltage switchgear for data centers. Financing includes bridge loan from Bank of America.
German logistics tycoon Klaus-Michael Kuehne dies at 89
Founder of Kuehne + Nagel, one of Germany's wealthiest investors, transformed the company into a global logistics leader before stepping back in 2011.
Logistics tycoon Klaus-Michael Kühne dies at 89
Kühne+Nagel founder and majority shareholder Klaus-Michael Kühne dies; fortune to pass to Kühne Foundation. Former Lufthansa and Hapag-Lloyd investor.
Logistics billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne dies at 89
Kühne+Nagel founder and majority shareholder Klaus-Michael Kühne dies after brief illness. His fortune is expected to transfer to the Kühne Foundation.
Celsius Resources files disbarment complaint against Philippine law firm
Complaint targets senior partners at Sarmiento Loriega Law, including firm founder Julito Sarmiento, over alleged professional misconduct tied to Makilala Mining governance.
Valerio Therapeutics to buy Etherna for €30 million in cash-and-shares deal
The €30 million acquisition, funded partly by a €40.25 million PIPE, will expand Valerio’s pipeline with Etherna’s immunotherapies. Shareholder vote set for October 2026.
Valerio Therapeutics to acquire Etherna for €30 million in cash, stock deal
French biotech Valerio secures €40.25 million PIPE financing to fund €30 million acquisition of Etherna Immunotherapies. Deal subject to shareholder vote in October 2026.
Partners Group exits Private-Credit stake in Gong cha
Swiss asset manager sells stake in global bubble tea chain after seven-year investment. Financial terms undisclosed as TA Associates sells to Bain Capital.
Temenos named Gartner ‘Leader’ in European retail core banking systems
Temenos ranked highest for ‘Completeness of Vision’ in Gartner’s 2026 Magic Quadrant for retail core banking systems in Europe. Temenos said it invests about 20% of revenue annually in R&D.
Shell explores $8 bln sale of U.S. chemicals assets as Exxon, LyondellBasell eye bid
Shell is seeking buyers for its U.S. chemicals operations, including the Monaca complex, with potential deals valued up to $8 billion. Exxon and LyondellBasell are among the bidders evaluating the assets.
Swiss economic calendar: August 24-31, 2026
Over 30 Swiss companies and institutions to release half-year earnings and key economic data, including UBS-CFA Index, KOF barometer and SBB H1 results.
Hugging Face explores sale at $13 bln or higher valuation
AI startup Hugging Face has hired a bank to gauge buyer interest for a potential sale that could value the company at $13 billion or more. The firm last raised funds at a $4.5 billion valuation in 2023.
FinCEN targets Swiss bank over alleged dirty money ties
MBaer Merchant Bank faces U.S. sanctions threat over claims of links to Venezuelan, Russian and Iranian funds. Swiss regulators and bank deny wrongdoing.
Bernstein explores Hershey-Mondelez tie-up or acquisition
Analysts model a potential Hershey takeover of Mondelez, projecting EPS dilution or accretion depending on leverage and synergy assumptions. No official talks reported.
AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt election as far-right eyes federal power
Far-right Alternative for Germany holds 41% support in state vote set for Sept. 6, ahead of CDU at 24%, as party eyes first government role and broader national ambitions.
Bernstein sees Hershey-Mondelez tie-up as long-term option
Analysts model a potential Mondelez acquisition by Hershey, projecting EPS dilution or accretion depending on leverage and synergy targets. Governance hurdles remain significant.
Organon shares under pressure as Q2 earnings loom after Q1 miss
Drugmaker faces investor scrutiny as analysts project sequential earnings rebound despite YoY declines. Sun Pharma’s $11.75 billion bid looms over the company’s near-term outlook.
Pentagon removes leadership of U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes
Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin and publisher Max Lederer dismissed; correspondent Lara Korte also removed after statements critical of Pentagon oversight. Changes follow appointment of a military deputy to oversee the newspaper.
Swiss nursing home costs top 10,000 francs monthly on average
Average stay exceeds two years, with monthly expenses ranging from 4,500 to 8,000 francs for residents. Public subsidies cover the remainder, but rising costs outpace pensions.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll expected to resign by year-end
Resignation follows months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Leadership changes add to Pentagon upheaval under Trump’s second term.
Fannie Mae cuts 12 executives amid efficiency push
Government mortgage giant Fannie Mae eliminated roles across finance, regulatory and housing units this week as part of a broader technology-driven restructuring.
Cytek Biosciences prevails in patent dispute with $56 million jury award
Cytek wins three of four claims in Delaware court case against Beckman Coulter, securing $56 million in damages but plans to challenge remaining finding and appeal if necessary.
U.S. issues licenses to expand investment in Venezuela’s telecom sector
Two Treasury Department general licenses permit new contracts, infrastructure upgrades and payment processing for Venezuelan telecom firms. Licenses published Friday allow broader business engagement while maintaining sanctions framework.