Corporate Strategy 3 April 2026 - 14 May 2026

Unilever’s McCormick Deal Gets Awkward After Terry Smith Walks Away
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Unilever’s McCormick Deal Gets Awkward After Terry Smith Walks Away

Fundsmith, led by Terry Smith, has sold its entire Unilever stake, citing concerns over the company’s planned $44.8 billion food business merger with McCormick. Unilever shareholders approved all AGM resolutions, including Nelson Peltz’s re-election, but will not vote on the McCormick deal. Unilever shares rose 0.18% in London morning trade. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2027, pending approvals.
May 15, 2026
Rio Tinto’s New BP Hire Lands as Copper Boom Raises Stakes for the Miner
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Rio Tinto’s New BP Hire Lands as Copper Boom Raises Stakes for the Miner

Rio Tinto named Trudi Charles, a BP veteran, as chief legal officer, effective Aug. 1, according to a regulatory notice. The appointment comes as Rio Tinto stock hit a 52-week high, closing at £82.72, up 4.44%. Copper prices have surged to record highs amid supply disruptions and rising demand from AI and clean energy sectors. Rio expects copper output to rise 13% by 2030, led by projects in Mongolia and the U.S.
May 14, 2026
BP PLC’s Big Reset Is Here: Meg O’Neill Starts June Overhaul as Carbon Capture Stakes Go on Block
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BP PLC’s Big Reset Is Here: Meg O’Neill Starts June Overhaul as Carbon Capture Stakes Go on Block

BP CEO Meg O’Neill told staff the company will reorganize in June, returning to a structure focused on upstream and downstream units. BP is also selling part of its stakes in two UK carbon capture projects as construction begins. Net debt rose to $25.3 billion in the first quarter. The company did not disclose buyers or the size of the stakes for sale.
May 9, 2026
Why Citi’s $52mn Vis Raghavan Hire From JPMorgan Is Suddenly Under Scrutiny
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Why Citi’s $52mn Vis Raghavan Hire From JPMorgan Is Suddenly Under Scrutiny

Citigroup’s $52 million hire of Vis Raghavan from JPMorgan Chase is under scrutiny after reports he was dismissed from JPMorgan following complaints about his behavior, days before Citi appointed him as head of Banking. Citi disputes the characterization, saying its process was thorough and began in January. Raghavan’s compensation package and rapid moves since joining have drawn investor and analyst attention. JPMorgan declined to comment.
April 29, 2026
Shell Plc Eyes Shenandoah Stake as Oil Shock Sends Majors Chasing Safer U.S. Barrels
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Shell Plc Eyes Shenandoah Stake as Oil Shock Sends Majors Chasing Safer U.S. Barrels

Shell is considering a bid for a 51% stake in the Shenandoah offshore oil field in the U.S. Gulf, sources said, as sellers Beacon Offshore and HEQ Deepwater seek buyers. The field began producing in July 2025 and hit 100,000 barrels per day within 75 days. Brent crude settled at $109.03 after Trump threatened more attacks on Iran. Initial bids for Shenandoah are expected in the coming weeks.
April 3, 2026

Stock Market Today

  • 3 ASX Dividend Shares Yielding Up to 9% With Monthly Payouts
    May 22, 2026, 8:02 PM EDT. Three ASX-listed dividend shares offering monthly payouts are attracting income-focused investors seeking steady passive income. BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX) delivers a 9% gross distribution yield, mainly invested in financials and materials sectors. Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8), a listed investment company, pays fully-franked monthly dividends with a 4.8% yield, focusing on major ASX dividend stocks. Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT), a listed investment trust investing in private credit and related assets, targets a 7% cash yield, offering monthly income and capital preservation. These options provide diversified income streams with frequent payouts for investors prioritizing regular cash flow.