New On The Block
Polypeptide Group has announced it is conducting a review of strategic alternatives, including potential partnerships or a sale. The process, which is in coordination with majority shareholder Draupnir Holding B.V., is aimed at enhancing the company's value amid reports from private equity firms such as KKR and EQT.
Reviva Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RVPH) announced it is evaluating strategic alternatives as the company seeks to maximize the value of brilaroxazine (a drug used to treat mental illness such as schizophrenia) and preserve optionality for its stockholders, the firm said in a letter to shareholders.
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Updates From The Block
Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) entered into an agreement to purchase satellite operator Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:GSAT) for $11.6 billion, in a move to accelerate its satellite internet business, Project Kuiper. The deal also includes a strategic partnership with Apple to continue supporting satellite capabilities for the Apple Watch and iPhone through Find My and Emergency SOS services, which already rely on Globalstar's network.
OpenAI acquired personal finance startup Hiro Finance. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Hiro founder Ethan Bloch announced the acquisition on LinkedIn, stating the company would be shutting down its operations on April 20.
Maplebear, which does business as Instacart (NASDAQ:CART), bought Colombian grocery technology firm Instaleap. The company will initially operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Instacart, Bloomberg reported. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Medical technology company Avanos Medical Inc (NYSE:AVNS) agreed to be acquired by American Industrial Partners (AIP) for approximately $1.3 billion. Avanos stockholders will receive $25 per share in cash for each share of common stock they own. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary approval. Avanos will become a private company and will be unlisted from the NYSE following completion of the transaction.
Payward, the parent company of Kraken, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bitnomial for up to $550 million, using a mix of cash and stock, putting the company’s equity at $20 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to standard closing conditions.
The Mark Anthony Group of Companies, the maker of White Claw Hard Seltzer and Mike's Hard Lemonade, will acquire The Finnish Long Drink, a canned gin-based sparkling cocktail. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal will be finalized in the coming weeks.
TPG signed a definitive agreement to acquire Learfield, a media and technology company for college athletics. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Charlesbank Capital Partners will continue to be a minority investor, while additional investors will exit their stakes, the firm wrote in a press release.
Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:LLY) entered into an agreement to acquire Houston, Texas-based biotechnology firm CrossBridge Bio for $300 million in cash, "inclusive of an upfront payment and a subsequent payment upon a specified development milestone," a press release stated.
Hillman Solutions Corp. acquired Delaney Hardware, a U.S.-based supplier of door and builders’ hardware used in both residential and commercial construction. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hillman expects to recognize over $10 million in net sales during its 2026 fiscal year as a result of the acquisition.
Off The Block
Horizon Technology Finance Corp. completed its merger with Monroe Capital Corp. The merger adds $141 million in cash and $471 million of pro forma net assets, which Horizon plans to use to repay debt and originate new loans under its existing strategy.
Bankruptcy Block
Four Seasons Outdoor Services filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The New Hampshire-based company listed its liabilities between $1 million and $10 million.
Cumulus Media received a judge's approval for a bankruptcy restructuring that will cut the radio station's debt by $592 million and give control of the company to its lenders, Reuters reported. The company filed for bankruptcy in March, citing $697 million in debt after losses due to digital audio and streaming platform competition, as well as the decline in the number of radio audiences.
Freedom Forever, a residential solar company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing cites debt between $500 million and $1 billion, with assets between $100 and $500 million. Freedom Forever owes $114 million to solar finance company Mosaic Funding, along with millions more to manufacturers such as PT. IDN Solar Tech, JA Solar, Trina Solar, Silfab Solar, Unirac, among others.
QVC Group announced its plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to address its more than $5 billion in debt. The online and TV retailer has entered into a restructuring deal with plans to emerge from bankruptcy in 90 days. The company plans to continue operating as normal during the process.
Mississippi-based hospital Greenwood Leflore Hospital has filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The hospital has been experiencing financial struggles and plans to negotiate a deal with the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Spirit Airlines is on the brink of shutting down as the airline struggles to recover from its second bankruptcy filing and rising fuel costs, which could make it harder to reach agreements with creditors.
For the previous edition of Deal Dispatch, click here.
Image: Edited by Benzinga using Shutterstock
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