JPMorgan's attempt to gain 100% control of its Chinese securities company will most likely be successful as China recently agreed to open its economy to more foreign investment. In January of this year, the United States and China signed a trade agreement ("the "Trade Agreement"), which eased a trade war between the two countries. (Jacob Pramuk, CNBC) The Trade Deal requires China to abide by certain commitments, which include opening its foreign market. (Bloomberg News) China is expected to eliminate its foreign equity limits, which will allow US-owned services to participate in the securities market as full owners of firms as opposed to partial owners. Id. JPMorgan's history in China – and China's willingness to open its economy – makes JPMorgan’s plan to fully own its venture a strong possibility.
Read MoreThe United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) paused Amazon's investment into online food delivery company Deliveroo while it investigates the deal. (Kate Holton and James Davey, Reuters). In May 2019, Amazon led a $575 million investment, with other businesses, into Deliveroo. (Business Insider). Although Amazon would only retain a minority share in Deliveroo, the CMA is concerned this investment could “result in Amazon and Deliveroo ceasing to be distinct.” (Danica Kirka, AP News).
Read MoreThe United States Justice Department (the“DOJ”) is doing everything it can to prevent the proposed acquisition of Farelogix Inc. (“Farelogix”) by Sabre Corporation (“Sabre”). However, on November 14, 2018, Sabre announced it had entered into a $360 million agreement to acquire Farelogix. (Sabre). Both companies provide information technology systems that allow airlines to sell tickets. (David McLaughlin, Bloomberg). Sabre believes this acquisition will allow it to accelerate its plans to deliver “future-ready retailing, distribution and fulfillment solutions” that will unlock additional value in the airline industry. (Sabre). The DOJ, however, believes Sabre is attempting to eliminate a disruptive competitor, and, the acquisition, if approved, will lead to higher prices and reduced quality in airlines. (David Shepardson, Reuters).
Read MoreIndirect Purchaser Plaintiffs v. Michael Bednarz (N.D. Cal.); 17-17367 (Ninth Circuit), derives from a multi-district litigation by both direct and indirect purchasers of lithium-ion batteries. The case implicates various manufacturers, including the three companies involved in this appeal: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., LG Chem, Ltd, and NEC Corporation (the “Companies”). (Dorothy Atkins, Law 360). The litigation addresses the causes of action indirect purchasers have to redress injuries resulting from companies who manufacture components of their final goods sold. (Eleanor Tyler, Bloomberg Law). If this case goes before the Supreme Court, the Court will address indirect purchasers’ ability to redress their injuries.
Read MoreDespite the increased number of women on corporate boards, it appears companies are not making the necessary changes to cultivate more female leadership. While the make-up of the Fortune-500 companies are becoming more diverse, many questions remain as to whether the composition of boards will have any impact on corporate culture. Over the last decade, the rise in female board membership has been substantial. As of 2023, it is estimated women will fill fifty percent of Fortune 500 board appointments. (Cassida Hogg, Heidrick & Struggles). Forty percent of the 462 board seats filled last year went to women, and currently, women account for 22.5 percent of all board members in Fortune 500 companies. Id. Many have praised companies’ more female centric direction, but significant skepticism remains as the changes don’t directly address companies’ culture.
Read MoreDeutsche Bank’s merger with Commerzbank could make Deutsche Bank the fourth largest bank in Europe with the potential to make Germany instrumental in the international market. With Deutsche Bank (“Deutsche”) getting support from key German government officials to proceed with negotiations to merge with Commerzbank, it seems likely a merger between the two will succeed. Although a merger between the banks is probable, the banks face a great amount of opposition, and logistical issues, which may hinder the merger and any future success Deutsche could enjoy. The acquisition serves as a strategy to improve Deutsche’s competitiveness by giving Deutsche the necessary size and resources to compete in the global market.
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