Private Equity Bros Weekly

📊 Weekly Summary

Here’s a roundup of the week’s key financial and economic headlines:

Gold rose steadily as markets await US payroll data expected to show still-healthy job growth that will continue in 2025. Meanwhile, China’s central bank prepares its most aggressive monetary measures in a decade. In India, a gold data error led to a record trade gap. In the US, corporate bankruptcies hit a 14-year high in 2024.

Globally, a $185B debt sale frenzy marked the start of 2025 as borrowers tapped into strong demand from credit managers. AI startups captured a record 46% of $209B in VC funding. On the other hand, investment banks are bracing for a challenging 2025 amid slower deal-making, while money managers grow bullish on oil.

Let’s break it down.

📈 Recent Finance News

Gold rises for 4th straight day with US payrolls in focus: Payrolls figures will help to shape outlook for Federal Reserve policy in 2025 (YF)

China central bank moves faster towards its policy limits: It is expected to deploy its most aggressive monetary tactics in a decade (RT)

India admits gold data error that pushed trade gap to record: The discrepancy caused the rupee to plunge to an all-time low (YF)

US corporate bankruptcies hit a 14-year high: Rising interest rates and tightening credit conditions drove 694 insolvencies in 2024 (S&P)

$185B global debt sale frenzy of 2025: Borrowers flood debt markets to take advantage of demand from credit-hungry managers (CNBC)

Stocks are the most overvalued against bonds in over two decades: Highlights risks in equity markets amid surging Treasury yields (YF)

AI startups captured 46% of $209B VC funding: A record share as the sector dominates investor interest, driving VC funding resurgence (YF)

Foreigners turned net sellers of Asian stocks: Trump's win and global uncertainty contributed to outflows in 2024 (RT)

Investment banks brace for a crunch year in 2025: Slowing deal-making and market uncertainty pose challenges (Monitor)

Money managers grow bullish on oil for 2025: Optimism rises amid expectations of higher demand and constrained supply (YF)

🔍 Newly Released Reports  

• Healthcare Life Sciences Transaction Market (Arthur D. Little)

• Outlook: Bonds, Equities, Alternatives (Eaton Vance)

• Macro Outlook: Uncertainty Abounds (William Blair)

• Private Credit Market in the GCC and Egypt (PwC)

• Global Merger Regulation (Simpson Thacher)

• 2025 Global Market Outlook (J.P. Morgan)

• Middle Market M&A Deal Trends (Firmex)

🤝 M&A Activity

Energy Capital Partners nears sale of Calpine to Constellation (PEW)
Potential Deal Value: $30B

Stryker to buy blood clot treatment producer Inari Medical (Stryker)
Deal Value: $4.9B

Paychex to acquire rival payroll processor Paycor (RT)
Potential Deal Value: $4.1B

Getty Images to acquire Shutterstock in cash-and-stock deal (EN)
Deal Value: $3.7B

Phillips 66 to acquire EPIC NGL assets (YF)
Deal Value: $2.2B

Blackstone leads acquisition of majority stake in Citrin Cooperman (PEW)
Deal Value: $2B

Paloma Rheem to acquire Fujitsu's AC unit Fujitsu General (JT)
Potential Deal Value: $1.6B

Apollo and BC Partners nearing deal for GFL Environmental's unit (YF)
Deal Value: Undisclosed

Ping An Insurance makes offer for remaining stake in Healthcare unit (IBA)
Deal Value: Undisclosed

Advent International to acquire condiments maker Sauer Brands (YF)
Deal Value: Undisclosed