Private Equity Bros Weekly

📊 Weekly Summary

A quick look at the week’s top headlines in finance and economics:

US GDP growth for Q3 was revised up to 3.1%, signaling economic momentum despite high rates, while India overtook the US as the leading IPO market. The Bank of England held rates steady at 4.75% but warned of stagnation risks. Meanwhile, the Fed cut rates to 4.25%-4.5% and signaled limited future cuts in 2025.

In addition, emerging market central banks defend currencies against a surging dollar, while China’s local government financing vehicles issued record debt to boost infrastructure spending. On the investment front, cryptocurrencies and AI stocks emerged as top picks for 2025, while Microsoft secured more Nvidia AI chips than its competitors.

Let’s break it down.

📈 Recent Finance News

US Q3 GDP growth revised to 3.1%: An increase from original estimate of 2.8%, indicating economic momentum despite high rates (BEA)

India overtakes US as leading IPO market: India smashed its record for money raised this year as investors snap up opportunities (YF)

BoE holds rates steady at 4.75%: It however warns of UK stagnation risk amid threat from budget fallout and rising inflation (Guardian)

Fed cuts rates to 4.25%-4.5% range: The Fed indicated that it probably would only lower twice more in 2025 (JPM)

EM central banks defend currencies as dollar surges: Emerging markets ramp up measures to counter Fed-driven dollar strength (YF)

Canada equity deal flow hits 23-year low: 236 deals were closed in 2024, raising $17.2 billion, compared with $19.8 billion in 2023 (FP)

Macro hedge funds top investor choices for 2025: Cryptos, AI stocks and pharmaceutical stocks are among those showing promise (RT)

China LGFVs issue record local debt: Local government financing vehicles ramp up borrowing to fund infrastructure (BT)

Home sales post biggest rise since 2021: Housing market shows signs of recovery as buyers adjust to a new normal of elevated rates (NBC)

Microsoft secures more Nvidia AI chips than US and Chinese rivals: The company’s strategy strengthens its position in the AI arms race (YF)

🔍 Newly Released Reports  

• 2025 Global M&A Outlook I (Goldman Sachs)

• 2025 Global M&A Outlook II (DC Advisory)

• Global Economic Outlook 2025-26 (Allianz)

• CEO and Investor Outlook Survey (Teneo)

• APAC Private Equity Barometer (KPMG)

• TMT M&A Trends Q3-24 (KPMG)

• PE Funds Financials (KPMG)

🤝 M&A Activity

Intel shortlisted bidders for Altera stake (YF)
Potential Deal Value: $9B-$12B

TPG in advanced talks to acquire Crown Castle's fiber business (DCD)
Potential Deal Value: $8B

Lumen Technologies seeking sale of consumer fiber operations (Inv.)
Potential Deal Value: $6B-$9B

Apollo to acquire GFL Environmental's environmental services unit (RT)
Deal Value: $5.6B

Insight Partners explores sale of R&D software maker Dotmatics (BNN)
Potential Deal Value: $5B

Macquarie exploring sale of Midwest telecom carrier Altafiber (BNN)
Potential Deal Value: $5B

Kering seeking investor for new real estate entity to cut debt load (BNN)
Deal Value: $4.2B

Bain Capital in talks to acquire Sizzling Platter (YF)
Potential Deal Value: $1B

US sauces McCormick & Co. in talks to buy local peer Sauer Brands (YF)
Potential Deal Value: $1B

UAE's ADIA sells stake in UK’s Liverpool ONE shopping centre (Landsec)
Deal Value: $622M