Acquisition

Atlassian is acquiring The Browser Company, known for its AI-powered Arc browser, for $610 million. The acquisition aims to integrate innovative browsing experiences into Atlassian’s ecosystem, enhancing collaboration and productivity. Arc, known for features like built-in whiteboard and collaborative tab sharing, caters to power users. The Browser Company also developed Dia, an AI-assisted browser option. CEO Cannon-Brookes highlights limitations of traditional browsers for modern work, envisioning Arc streamlining workflows and automating tasks. Perplexity and OpenAI also showed interest in acquiring The Browser Company.

OpenAI is acquiring Statsig, a product development startup, for $1.1 billion to enhance its capabilities in feature testing and data optimization. Statsig CEO Vijaye Raji will become OpenAI’s technology chief within the applications unit, reporting to Fidji Simo. Statsig will operate independently, serving existing customers. This acquisition follows OpenAI’s purchase of Jony Ive’s AI devices startup, IO, and analytics database company Rockset, demonstrating its aggressive expansion strategy. A previous attempt to acquire AI-assisted coding tool Windsurf was unsuccessful.

Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo, and Brookfield will acquire Air Lease Corporation for approximately $7.4 billion, rebranding it as Sumisho Air Lease. The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2026, involves Sumisho Air Lease acquiring Air Lease’s orderbook, while SMBC Aviation Capital will service its portfolio. Apollo and Brookfield will provide capital for the acquisition. The new entity aims to capitalize on airline and investor demand with a fleet of new technology aircraft.

CleanTech Vanadium Mining (CTVFF) is expanding in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District (IKFD) with a binding option to purchase 970 acres for US$184,000. The properties abut historic mines and place CleanTech strategically within the prolific IKFD. This acquisition brings CleanTech’s total land holdings to over 8,150 acres in a region that once accounted for over 90% of US Fluorspar production. This move occurs amidst rising fluorspar prices.

Gusto, a $9.3 billion payroll and HR software company, has acquired Guideline, a corporate retirement plan provider. The deal aims to streamline employee benefits for small businesses. Gusto plans to integrate Guideline’s expertise to capitalize on the growing trend of state-mandated employer-sponsored retirement plans and cross-sell services to its 400,000+ customers. Guideline’s integrations with other payroll providers will remain. Gusto aims to add 150,000 new clients this year, expanding its market share in the U.S.

Seven Arts Entertainment Inc. (SAPX) has formed a joint venture with Hanger Ink, aiming to leverage Hanger’s production capabilities in marketing materials, set design, and branded merchandise. The venture is projected to generate $5-8 million in revenue over the next 18 months. SAPX also secured a 90-day window for a potential acquisition of Hanger Ink and is undergoing extended due diligence. The partnership seeks to capitalize on cross-promotion and Hanger’s industry relationships.

ASSA ABLOY acquired SiteOwl, a U.S.-based cloud platform for physical security lifecycle management. This acquisition enhances ASSA ABLOY’s integrated security solutions, addressing the growing demand for streamlined management of physical security systems. SiteOwl’s platform, founded in 2020, covers design, installation, and maintenance. ASSA ABLOY aims to offer a comprehensive service suite and lead the digital transformation of access control infrastructure.

Western Union will acquire International Money Express, Inc. (Intermex) for $16.00 per share in cash, a deal valued at approximately $500 million. The acquisition aims to strengthen Western Union’s North American retail presence, expand its reach beyond Latin America, and accelerate digital customer acquisition. Western Union anticipates $30 million in annual cost synergies within 24 months. The deal, unanimously approved by both boards of directors, is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals and Intermex stockholder approval.

Boba Mint Holdings has completed its acquisition of the remaining 50% of Werd Studios, a blockchain gaming company, for $1.4 million, issuing 7 million common shares to Werd’s CEO, Andrew Shore. Werd Studios brings blockchain/crypto games like Cafe Disco Party and Moon Poker. The issued shares are subject to lock-up periods. Shore’s ownership in Boba Mint doubles to 13.04%. Negative aspects include share dilution and lengthy lock-up periods which require monitoring.

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