Private Equity Bros Weekly

📊 Weekly Summary

Here’s a recap of the top news in finance and economics this week:

Business spending on AI surged 500% to $13.8 billion this year, reflecting a major shift in corporate priorities. Citadel’s Ken Griffin expressed openness to selling a minority stake. Meanwhile, SEC Chair Gary Gensler will step down on Trump’s first day, setting the stage for changes in US financial regulation.

In other news, Gautam Adani’s fortune dropped by $15 billion following US indictments, rattling his business empire. China’s policymakers reaffirmed their commitment to financial opening, seeking to attract more foreign investment. JP Morgan’s tech IB chair expects a surge in IPOs post-election. The ECB warned of risks in the eurozone, raising concerns of another debt crisis.

Let’s break it down.

📈 Recent Finance News

Business spending on AI surged 500% to $13.8B this year: It is up from $2.3B in 2023, signaling a shift in priorities (CNBC)

Citadel's Griffin open to selling minority stake: Venture capital firm Sequoia could be a potential partner (YF)

SEC chair Gensler to step down on Trump's first day: Leadership changes could bring significant shifts in US financial regulation (CNBC)

Gautam Adani's net worth sank by $15B after US indictments: Fortune of Asia’s second-richest slumps in trading (BBC)

China reaffirms commitment to financial opening: Policymakers vow to increase foreign investments (USN)

JP Morgan chair of tech IB expects more IPOs after election: Post-election stability in the US may revive IPO markets (YF)

State Street files for retail ETF: Bridgewater offers retail investors access to hedge fund strategies through ETF (YF)

Trump names Cantor CEO Lutnick as Commerce Secretary: Lutnick would help execute Trump’s proposed tariffs on US imports (CNBC)

FDIC chair Gruenberg will retire in January, clearing the way for Trump picks: Leadership change may reshape US financial regulation (RT)

Eurozone sovereign debt crisis? ECB warns of risks: Slow growth sparks fears of renewed eurozone debt troubles (EN)

🔍 Newly Released Reports  

• The Future Ready Family Office (Morgan Stanley)

• The “Big Unlock” for Sponsors (Goldman Sachs)

• Global Macro Economic Outlook (J.P. Morgan)

• 2025 Global Market Outlook (T. Rowe Price)

• Private Market Index (Lincoln International)

• Roaring 20s: The Next Stage (UBS)

• Asia Pacific PE Barometer (KPMG)

🤝 M&A Activity

Amcor to acquire Berry Global to create packaging powerhouse (RT)
Deal Value: $8.4B

Blackstone to acquire sandwich chain Jersey Mike's Subs (YF)
Deal Value: $8B

Chinese consortium to acquire AirPower's gas business (BNN)
Deal Value: $6.8B

AeroVironment expands portfolio with BlueHalo acquisition (BW)
Deal Value: $4.1B

Blackstone emerges as frontrunner for Tokyo office complex (JT)
Potential Deal Value: $2.6B

Mitsui highest bidder for stake in Zambian copper mines (YF)
Potential Deal Value: $2B

Keppel DC REIT secures ownership of two Singapore data centers (RT)
Deal Value: $1B

Advertising software firm Mediaocean to acquire Innovid (TVB)
Deal Value: $500M

ADIA and GIC in talks for Pye-Barker Fire & Safety stake (BT)
Deal Value: Undisclosed

Quikrete in talks to acquire Summit Materials (Investing)
Deal Value: Undisclosed