Acquisition

Chinese soda brand Dà Yáo, a barbecue staple, is attracting significant attention. Private equity firm KKR is set to acquire an 85% stake in Dà Yáo Guest Drinks, potentially giving them indirect control. The move follows Dà Yáo’s national expansion and marketing push featuring action star Wu Jing. While the current management team remains, acquisition rumors have circulated, including earlier speculation of interest from Coca-Cola. Dà Yáo, alongside Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, controls a substantial portion (92.87%) of the domestic soda market. The company reiterates its commitment to long-term brand development despite market speculation.

AI programming startup Windsurf has abandoned a $3 billion acquisition by OpenAI in favor of a $2.4 billion licensing deal with Google. Google’s DeepMind is recruiting Windsurf’s key personnel, including its CEO and co-founder. Google gains a non-exclusive license to Windsurf’s technology. This collaboration signals a trend of tech giants leveraging talent acquisition and licensing instead of outright acquisitions. Windsurf’s head of operations will become interim CEO, and the majority of the team will remain, ensuring business continuity. Windsurf’s rapid growth and developer-focused AI programming tools made it a target for both OpenAI and Google.

Ki Corporation and Public Storage, operating as a Consortium, have made a revised non-binding offer to acquire Abacus Storage King for A$1.65 per security. Both parties agreed to due diligence, signaling progress. Public Storage sees growth potential in the Australian self-storage market. The deal is non-binding and subject to conditions, including regulatory and securityholder approval. Public Storage will not provide further updates unless a definitive agreement is reached.

Shareholders of Till Capital approved Silver Storm Mining’s acquisition deal on July 10, 2025. The court-supervised transaction requires final approvals from the B.C. Supreme Court (hearing July 15) and TSX-V to close around July 17. This expands Silver Storm’s Mexican silver assets, primarily the past-producing La Parrilla Complex. Reactivating La Parrilla relies on historical data, not updated feasibility studies, increasing operational uncertainty. Completion remains contingent on court and exchange approvals.

Barton Gold is acquiring the Wudinna Gold Project for A$5.5 million. The deal involves A$500,000 cash and A$5 million in Barton shares. Cobra Resources’ shareholder vote is set for July 24, 2025, with strong initial support. This acquisition will leverage Barton’s central Gawler Craton infrastructure for future production growth.

Xiaohongshu has officially denied rumors of an acquisition by Alibaba, labeling the speculation as “groundless.” This isn’t the first time such rumors have surfaced, with similar claims made in 2019. Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013, has seen its valuation reportedly surge to $26 billion, a significant increase from its previous $17 billion valuation at the end of 2023. Alibaba has not yet commented on the reports.

Dongshan Precision plans to acquire Taiwan’s Source Photonics for up to $850 million to expand its optical communications business. The deal, which aims to integrate Source Photonics’ vertically integrated operations and high-speed optical module capabilities, is pending approval from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Ministry has stated it has not yet received an application and will conduct a rigorous review, citing the need for an investment plan amendment.

Wabtec has acquired Evident’s Inspection Technologies division for $1.78 billion. This strategic move significantly expands Wabtec’s Digital Intelligence segment, integrating advanced non-destructive testing and remote visual inspection technologies. The acquisition is expected to enhance customer productivity, reliability, and safety, accelerate growth, and double Wabtec’s addressable market for its Digital Intelligence business to $16 billion.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire a controlling stake in JB Pharma from KKR for INR 25,689 crores. This strategic move, followed by a merger, aims to significantly expand Torrent’s presence in the Indian pharmaceutical market. It will bolster their chronic segment expertise, introduce international CDMO capabilities, and enhance market share and operational synergies. The deal also diversifies Torrent’s business into the promising CDMO sector.

HPE and Juniper Networks have reached an agreement with the DOJ, clearing the path for HPE’s acquisition of Juniper. This deal, valued at approximately $14 billion, aims to reshape the networking landscape. Combining HPE’s strengths in areas like AI and hybrid cloud with Juniper’s networking expertise will create a modern network architecture tailored for AI workloads, fostering competition and accelerating innovation in the market. As part of the settlement, HPE will divest its global Instant On business.