Mergers and Acquisitions 16 February 2026 - 8 May 2026

Intertek Rejects EQT’s $12 Billion Takeover Bid—Now the Clock Is Ticking
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Intertek Rejects EQT’s $12 Billion Takeover Bid—Now the Clock Is Ticking

Intertek Group plc has turned away EQT’s latest buyout bid, the third so far, declining a £58-a-share cash offer that put the British testing and inspection firm’s value near £8.93 billion. Management at the FTSE 100-listed business argued the proposal not only undervalued Intertek but also brought execution risk, pointing out the terms were still conditional. This comes to a head now as the disagreement shifts out into the open, with the UK’s strict takeover clock ticking down. EQT has until 5 p.m. London time on May 14 to make a binding bid or step aside, thanks to the UK Takeover Code’s so-called “put up or shut up” provision, which compels a bidder to show its cards.
May 8, 2026
Beazley Plc Takeover Watch: Vanguard’s 5% Filing Puts Zurich’s £8.1 Billion Deal Back in Focus
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Beazley Plc Takeover Watch: Vanguard’s 5% Filing Puts Zurich’s £8.1 Billion Deal Back in Focus

Vanguard Group has taken a 5.03% stake in Beazley plc, according to a Monday filing, adding another heavyweight to the London insurer’s ledger with Zurich Insurance’s all-cash bid still pending final sign-offs. The Form 8.3 document revealed Vanguard holds or manages 30,237,689 ordinary shares in Beazley; under UK rules, investors crossing the 1% threshold must disclose via Rule 8.3. The Zurich acquisition is still pending, even after clearing its biggest shareholder obstacle. On April 22, Beazley announced that investors overwhelmingly approved Zurich’s £8.1 billion all-cash bid—99.9% voted yes. But final closure hinges on court sign-off, which isn’t expected until the second half of 2026.
May 4, 2026
Intertek Takeover Bid: EQT’s £54-a-Share Offer Puts May 14 Deadline in Focus
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Intertek Takeover Bid: EQT’s £54-a-Share Offer Puts May 14 Deadline in Focus

Intertek Group plc is facing a live takeover clock, with the company saying it’s considering an updated £54-per-share cash bid from EQT funds—still non-binding—for the London-based testing and certification firm. The UK’s takeover code gives EQT until 5 p.m. on May 14 to either put forward a firm offer or walk away. Governance is piling on, too. Intertek said Friday that PwC stepped down as auditor as of April 23, with Deloitte set for a shareholder vote to take over for the 2026 financial year. The annual general meeting is scheduled for May 20 in London.
April 24, 2026
Auddia (AUUD) stock jumps about 50% premarket on McCarthy Finney merger plan
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Auddia (AUUD) stock jumps about 50% premarket on McCarthy Finney merger plan

New York, Feb 18, 2026, 06:11 EST — Before the bell Auddia Inc soared close to 50% in premarket trade Wednesday after announcing a definitive merger agreement that will see the company restructure under a new holding company. The stock was last up 49.7% at $1.25 as of 5:58 a.m. EST. Tuesday’s session had already seen shares jump 24%, StockAnalysis.com data show.
February 18, 2026
ZIM stock could jump toward $35 as Hapag-Lloyd agrees $4.2 billion takeover
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ZIM stock could jump toward $35 as Hapag-Lloyd agrees $4.2 billion takeover

New York, February 16, 2026, 16:02 ET — The market has closed. Hapag-Lloyd of Germany has agreed to buy ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, offering $35 per share in cash—a move that puts the U.S.-listed container ship line back in the spotlight as Wall Street reopens. ZIM CEO Eli Glickman described the deal as a moment of “incredible pride” for the company’s ongoing transformation. Board chairman Yair Seroussi called the agreement “the most prudent and beneficial transaction for all ZIM stakeholders.”
February 16, 2026
Qube share price jumps after Macquarie-led $11.7bn takeover deal signed — what to watch next
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Qube share price jumps after Macquarie-led $11.7bn takeover deal signed — what to watch next

Sydney, Feb 16, 2026, 17:32 AEDT — Trading shifted into after-hours. Qube Holdings climbed 3.3% on Monday, closing at A$5.01 after the logistics firm announced it had secured a binding agreement to go private at A$5.20 per share. The stock touched an all-time high of A$5.05 during the day—still ending roughly 4% below the buyout price. https://www.investing.com/equities/qube-logistics-holdings
February 16, 2026