Global equity issuance for 2022 plummeted 66.6 percent from last year, to $351.76 billion, levels not seen since 2006, a new report by S&P Global Market Intelligence showed. The total value of initial public offerings (IPOs) dropped even further, down 71.3 percent for the year. Corporate merger and acquisitions (M&A) also slowed down last year. Total…

Amazon.com Inc. is planning to buy One Medical, a primary health care provider, in a takeover that would expand the e-commerce giant’s presence in the health care market. Both companies have entered a “definitive merger agreement” indicating that Amazon will acquire One Medical—comprising 1Life Healthcare Inc., the administrative arm of the company, and the affiliated health…

HONG KONG—Buyout funds are set to extend a record spending spree in Asia to the rest of the year but they will be mostly seeking deals outside China, where concerns about the economy are likely to outweigh any easing of a regulatory crackdown, dealmakers said. Private equity mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in Asia, not…

ManTech International Corp on Monday agreed to a $3.93 billion all-cash deal with Carlyle Group Inc as the private equity firm strengthens its portfolio of U.S. defense contractors. Carlyle has offered $96 per ManTech share held, representing a 17% premium to the stock’s closing on Friday. The company’s shares were up about 15% in early…

LOS ANGELES—Microsoft is reportedly buying gaming company Activision Blizzard—which has been in turmoil over allegations of misconduct and unequal pay—for $68.7 billion, according to the Los Angeles Times. The deal will give Microsoft ownership of games like “Call of Duty” and “Candy Crush.” It will also provide a path for Microsoft to increase its presence…

HONG KONG—Australia is set for its best year ever in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) activity despite extended pandemic-induced lockdowns in its most populous states as cash-rich corporates and funds scoop up assets, with bankers seeing no sign of the momentum slowing. Deals involving Australian companies totalled $329.2 billion in the first nine months of 2021,…