International
Edition 66 · Week 46
EDITION
HOT SELLER THIS WEEK
- Global investment firm Blackstone has increased its proposed offer for Australian education services company IDP Education, valuing the business at approximately A$870m. IDP operates international student placement services and English language testing through its IELTS partnership. The proposed acquisition reflects continued private equity interest in established education businesses with international customer networks. HPC could identify education consultancies, student recruitment agencies, training providers and specialist education businesses seeking investment or an exit.
- US distributed solar energy company Redball Energy has sold a majority stake to Australian investment firm Wollemi Capital and superannuation fund Rest. The company operates approximately 4,500 rooftop solar installations across the United States and plans to expand its installer network and battery storage operations. HPC could introduce solar equipment manufacturers, installation contractors, battery suppliers, renewable energy developers and institutional investors interested in the American clean energy market.
- US financial technology company Databento has secured $100m in Series C funding to expand its financial market data infrastructure. The company provides investment firms, banks and trading businesses with access to financial market information through its technology platform. The investment highlights continued demand for specialist data services within the financial sector. HPC could introduce asset managers, investment banks, financial technology providers, data centre operators and institutional investors interested in partnerships and expansion.
- Liverpool City Council has published a £6m professional services framework opportunity covering architectural, engineering and inspection services for its capital projects programme. The four-year framework will allow the council to appoint specialist suppliers for future infrastructure and development requirements. HPC could identify engineering consultancies, architectural practices, project management firms and international construction specialists interested in joining the framework or providing subcontracted services.
- French biotechnology company Orakl Oncology has raised approximately $34m in Series A funding to expand its technology for testing potential cancer treatments. The business combines patient-derived tumour models with artificial intelligence and biological data to help pharmaceutical companies assess new medicines before clinical trials. HPC could identify pharmaceutical manufacturers, laboratory equipment suppliers, clinical research organisations, medical technology companies and healthcare investors interested in the growing biotechnology market.
- US private equity investor H.I.G. Capital has launched Waveborn, a new platform focused on acquiring businesses within the creator economy, beginning with the purchase of Jake Rosen Entertainment. The acquired company manages a network of more than 400 content creators and provides talent representation and brand partnership services. HPC could identify talent management agencies, recruitment businesses, specialist HR consultancies and professional service companies seeking investment or acquisition opportunities.
- Packaging manufacturer Enjay Converters has acquired Ohio-based New Method Packaging, a business specialising in the design and production of customised corrugated and paper-based food packaging. The acquisition strengthens Enjay's manufacturing capabilities and expands its customer offering. HPC could identify packaging manufacturers, machinery suppliers, paper distributors, logistics providers and industrial businesses that may be suitable for further acquisitions or commercial partnerships.
- GridAI Technologies has signed an agreement to acquire Pronghorn Resources, creating a platform focused on natural gas production and electricity infrastructure to support growing artificial intelligence computing demand. The proposed development targets large-scale power supply for future data centre operations. HPC could identify energy developers, gas infrastructure contractors, electrical engineering companies, power equipment manufacturers and investors interested in supplying the expanding data centre market.
- Spanish legal publishing and information group Grupo Tirant has acquired Chilean legal technology startup elDigesto as part of its expansion across Latin America. The business develops artificial intelligence tools designed to help legal professionals search, organise and analyse legislation and legal information. HPC could identify legal technology companies, compliance consultancies, specialist software developers and professional service businesses seeking international buyers or distribution partnerships.
- International telecommunications group Millicom has agreed to acquire Entel's telecommunications operations in Peru for approximately $1.714bn, including lease liabilities. The acquisition will strengthen Millicom's presence in Latin America and expand its mobile and digital services customer base. The transaction is expected to be financed through local funding and existing cash resources. HPC could identify telecommunications infrastructure suppliers, technology contractors, tower operators, fibre network businesses and potential acquisition targets across Latin America.
- German technology startup NeuralSat has raised approximately €2.9m to develop its satellite and semiconductor technology. The investment will support the development of advanced hardware and data capabilities used in monitoring and analysing information from space. HPC could introduce satellite operators, research organisations, semiconductor manufacturers, data analytics companies and international technology investors interested in commercial space applications.
- H.I.G. Capital has entered the creator economy by establishing Waveborn and acquiring Jake Rosen Entertainment, a talent management business representing more than 400 digital creators. The platform plans to expand through further acquisitions across content production, brand partnerships and creator monetisation. HPC could identify marketing agencies, influencer management companies, digital production studios and advertising businesses seeking investment or an exit.
- Swedish hotel property investor Pandox has agreed to sell the property occupied by the Scandic Alvik hotel in Stockholm to SPP Fastigheter for approximately SEK644m. The property contains 330 rooms and will remain part of the wider hospitality market following the transaction. HPC could identify hotel property owners considering a sale, commercial property investors, hotel operators, development companies and international funds interested in European hospitality assets.
- US mobility technology startup Garage has raised $41m in new funding, with investment from Initialized Capital and Y Combinator among its backers. The company is developing technology for the mobility and logistics sector, an area attracting growing investor interest as businesses look to improve transport efficiency and digital operations. HPC could introduce logistics operators, transport companies, technology investors and established mobility businesses interested in strategic partnerships or acquisitions.
- Japanese manufacturer Yamaha Corporation has agreed to acquire London-based Disguise Technologies, a specialist provider of media server software and technology used in live entertainment and immersive visual productions. The acquisition will strengthen Yamaha's capabilities in professional audio, visual technology and digital entertainment. HPC could identify software developers, audiovisual equipment suppliers, technology distributors, event production businesses and specialist digital companies interested in working with the enlarged group.
- Italian group travel company WeRoad has acquired Zurich-based TravelTribe, a specialist community organising sports and activity-based holidays. The acquisition is part of WeRoad's wider growth strategy, which aims to generate approximately €70m in additional revenue through acquisitions over the next three years. HPC could identify independent travel agencies, specialist tour operators, adventure travel companies, hotel groups and tourism businesses seeking investment or an international buyer.
Sector stories & insights.
Universities and Training Providers Seek Partners to Fund AI Labs as the AI Trade Wobbles
Tech shares fell again on Friday, but universities and training providers still need AI labs, safe digital campuses and shared computing power. They are looking for partners to share the cost.
HPC acts as the broker between these institutions and technology vendors, education investors and research funders. We structure and negotiate the partnership, and earn a success fee of 3% on a transaction value of about $20 million.
Companies Look for Trusted Carbon and Green Finance Partners as Inflation Stays High
Businesses need to prove their green claims are real, so projects that cut emissions or protect nature are looking for verified buyers and investors.
HPC connects project developers with credible offset purchasers and impact investors, handles the deal structure and due diligence, and takes a 3% success fee on credit sales and offtake agreements of roughly $15 million.
S&P 500 Slips 0.4% and the Nasdaq 0.9% as the Nvidia Overhang Weighs on Tech
The S&P 500 closed at 7,561.67 and the Nasdaq at 25,136.27, while the Dow edged up 0.1% to 52,347.55 and London's FTSE 100 gained 0.4% to 10,902.56. Consumer staples rose 1.39% and energy 0.96%, as technology fell 1.7%. Banks, funds and wealth managers are looking for partners to manage risk and raise fresh capital.
HPC introduces investors to banks, asset managers and wealth firms and arranges minority stake sales and joint ventures. Our fee is 2.5% of closed transaction value, on deals of about $100 million.
Governments and Central Banks Face Sticky Inflation as Wholesale Prices Hit a Near Four Year High
With US wholesale inflation at its highest since 2022 and a December Fed hike widely expected, governments and central banks are under pressure from high prices, which opens the door to public and private partnerships.
HPC matches infrastructure sponsors, contractors and lenders with qualifying public private partnership opportunities, supports bid positioning, and earns a 2% success fee on financed projects of around $150 million.
Global Healthcare Groups Seek Capital for Hospitals, Diagnostics and Digital Health
Hospital operators, drug makers and health tech firms around the world are raising money to grow and want partners they can trust.
HPC brokers acquisitions, equity raises and technology partnerships between healthcare operators and specialist investors. We take a 3% success fee on transactions of about $80 million.
Nvidia Will Report Third Quarter Results on 17 November Under Interim CEO Colette Kress
The chip maker reports after the close on Tuesday, days after Jensen Huang resigned and the board began a search for a permanent chief executive. Employers are rethinking leadership, succession and retention.
HPC brokers the sale and merger of recruitment, training and talent platforms, and introduces workforce providers to large employers. Our fee is 3.5% of deal value on transactions near $10 million.
Manufacturers and Logistics Firms Seek Partners as Producer Prices Stay Elevated
With US factory gate inflation running at an annual rate of about 6.5%, manufacturers are looking for finance, factory space and partners.
HPC places manufacturers and logistics investors into industrial projects and arranges the joint venture or lease terms. We charge a 2.5% success fee on deals of around $100 million.
IEA Expects Oil Supply to Exceed Demand in the Fourth Quarter as Tankers Pass Hormuz
The International Energy Agency says more tankers are getting through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict with Iran, and oil prices wobbled on the news. Developers of power, data centre and fuel projects are lining up money and buyers.
HPC introduces equity and debt providers to project sponsors and negotiates offtake and financing terms. Our success fee is 2% on projects of about $250 million.
Companies Tighten Rules on Disclosure, Tax and Governance as Regulators Watch Closely
With markets jumpy after a high profile leadership exit, firms need clear advice on reporting, tax and governance rules.
HPC brokers the acquisition of, and partnerships with, compliance, regtech and legal services providers. We earn a 3% success fee on deals of around $25 million.
Anthropic's Much Anticipated IPO Arrives Next Week, a Test of Appetite for AI Stocks
Anthropic, the company that makes Claude, is due to make its Wall Street debut next week, and reports say money could shift from established AI names toward the new entrant. Companies, banks and funds are weighing deals, listings and exits.
HPC sources targets, qualifies buyers and manages the process from first introduction to signing. Our fee is 2% of enterprise value on transactions of about $300 million.
US Producer Prices Rise 0.3% in October, Taking the Annual Rate to 6.5%, the Highest Since 2022
The monthly rise came in below the 0.4% forecast, while core producer prices rose 0.3% on the month and 5% on the year, the highest since January 2023. Brands and retailers want clear data on what shoppers are buying and why.
HPC brokers acquisitions and licensing arrangements between analytics providers and enterprise buyers. We take a 3.5% success fee on deals near $15 million.
Broadcasters, streamers and creators are looking for money and partners to reach bigger audiences across Asia and beyond.
HPC arranges equity investments, content licensing and merger transactions for media businesses. Our success fee is 3% on deals of about $25 million.
Developers Seek Land, Partners and Long Term Funding as Rate Hike Worries Grow
With a December Fed hike widely expected, developers and investors are looking for land, joint venture partners and patient funding for housing, logistics and mixed use schemes.
HPC connects developers with funders, landowners and offtake partners, and structures the joint ventures. We take a 2% success fee on projects of around $80 million.
Founders Watch Closely as the AI Trade Wobbles and a Big AI Listing Nears
With the semiconductor index sharply lower on Friday and a major AI listing next week, startups are looking for their next funding round or a smart exit.
HPC brokers funding rounds and acquisitions between startups and investors. Our fee is 3% of capital raised on rounds of about $20 million.
Nvidia Slips Another 2% Below a $4 Trillion Value as HSBC Cuts Its Rating and AMD Falls 8.8%
HSBC cut Nvidia to Hold and slashed its price target from $375 to $170, while AMD closed at $534.06 after its worst day in the S&P 500 and Broadcom fell 4.8%. Data centre firms, chipmakers and cloud providers are looking for money and anchor customers.
HPC brokers capacity deals, joint ventures and infrastructure financings between operators and investors. Our success fee is 2.5% on transactions of about $200 million.
Hotels, Airlines and Tour Operators Seek Capital as Oil Supply Looks Ample
With the IEA expecting supply to outstrip demand and rates still rising, travel firms are looking for fresh capital, new partners and buyers.
HPC arranges sales, recapitalisations and management agreements for hospitality assets. We take a 3% success fee on deals of around $40 million.