Private Equity Bros Weekly

📊 Weekly Summary

Here’s a rundown of this week’s standout financial updates:

U.S. hiring surged, indicating strong labor market resilience, while the UK’s budget introduces £40B in tax hikes targeting private equity and the wealthy. China plans $1.4T in debt to fuel growth, and Asia’s $6T FX reserves provide a buffer against the dollar's strength.

Meanwhile, Russia fined Google an astronomical amount for content restrictions. On the corporate side, JP Morgan’s Jamie Dimon calls for easing regulatory pressures, and Saudi Arabia’s PIF shifts focus to domestic investments, reducing foreign holdings.

Let’s break it down.

📈 Recent Finance News

US hiring surged by the most since July 2023: US hiring jumps, showing labor market resilience despite economic headwinds (CNBC)

Russia fines Google 2 undecillion roubles: Court imposed a fine on Google exceeding the world’s GDP due to content restrictions (BBC)

US GDP grew 2.8% YoY last quarter: US economy expands, driven by steady consumer spending despite high interest rates (CBS)

UK budget reveals £40B tax hikes for PE and wealthy: Reeves announces tax hikes, promising to rebuild public services (Guardian)

China may issue over $1.4T in additional debt: Fiscal stimulus expected to fuel growth and infrastructure over the next few years (BI)

Asia's $6T forex reserves shield against dollar strength: Investors confident in central banks' ability to defend Asian currencies (BS)

US oil production hits new record high: Oil output rose in August to 13.4 million barrels per day, reflecting rising demand and output (RT)

Asset-backed debt sales top $313B, beating post-GFC record: Cars, planes and restaurants boost ABS sales to highest since the GFC (YF)

Saudi Arabia's PIF to reduce international investments: PIF shifts focus to domestic growth, cutting foreign holdings by 10-12% (EUT)

US finalizes restrictions on investments in Chinese tech and AI: New US rules limit investments, heightening tech competition (VOA)

Jamie Dimon fights back on regulation: JP Morgan CEO challenges increasing bank oversight impacting growth and competitiveness (RT)

Goldman and Morgan Stanley CEOs expect more dealmaking in 2025: Top firms expect increase in deal activity as markets stabilize (RT)

🔍 Newly Released Reports  

• Value Creation in Private Equity (Alvarez & Marsal)

• The Private Asset Revolution (CION Investments)

• Global Economic Outlook (Northern Trust)

• Consumer Sentiment Index (AlixPartners)

• Investment Banking Scorecard (LSEG)

• Global Top 100 Unicorns (PwC)

• Investment Guide (RPS)

Want to support PE Bro?

🤝 M&A Activity

BlackRock in advanced talks to acquire private credit giant HPS (TA)
Potential Deal Value: $12B

US largest pipeline system Colonial Pipeline considers sale (AK&M)
Potential Deal Value: $10B

BC Partners to sell majority stake in GardaWorld (PEW)
Deal Value: $9.7B

Blackstone nears minority stake acquisition in Rogers Comms (YF)
Deal Value: $5B

Cryptocurrency exchange Bitpanda explores sale or German IPO (CP)
Potential Deal Value: $4B

Ardian to acquire French renewable energy developer Akuo Energy (RN)
Deal Value: ~$2.5B

Japan’s Nippon Paint to acquire US chemicals firm AOC (Forbes)
Deal Value: $2.3B

Wanda sells James Bond’s yacht maker to US & Italian PE firms (YF)
Deal Value: $206M

Saudi Agricultural & Livestock Investment to acquire stake in Olam (RT)
Deal Value: Undisclosed

Consortium led by Blackstone and Fortress bids for Viridium (PEW)
Deal Value: Undisclosed