Global M&A Update: Getty-Shutterstock Divestment, Belron IPO, and Intertek Rejection
This Financial Times compilation highlights significant developments in global mergers and acquisitions as of April 2026. The UK Competition and Markets Authority mandated Getty Images to divest Shutterstock’s editorial business to approve their $3.7 billion merger, citing competition concerns. In Europe, Belron, the world’s largest car glass repair group, prepared for a €30 billion IPO in Amsterdam, while UK testing firm Intertek rejected a £9.3 billion takeover bid from Swedish private equity firm EQT. Meanwhile, the EU proposed relaxing merger rules to foster European champions. Major corporate moves included Amazon’s $11.6 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar to challenge Starlink, Standard Life’s £2 billion purchase of Aegon UK, and Axel Springer’s cleared bid for Telegraph Media Group. The report also notes Bill Ackman’s €55 billion bid for Universal Music Group and Goldman Sachs’ warning of a shrinking deal pipeline. These events illustrate a dynamic M&A landscape characterized by regulatory scrutiny, strategic tech expansions, and mixed signals regarding market confidence amidst volatile geopolitics and high interest rates.
Wire timeline
Global M&A Update: Getty-Shutterstock Divestment, Belron IPO, and Intertek Rejection
This Financial Times compilation highlights significant developments in global mergers and acquisitions as of April 2026. The UK Competition and Markets Authority mandated Getty Images to divest Shutterstock’s editorial business to approve their $3.7 billion merger, citing competition concerns. In Europe, Belron, the world’s largest car glass repair group, prepared for a €30 billion IPO in Amsterdam, while UK testing firm Intertek rejected a £9.3 billion takeover bid from Swedish private equity firm EQT. Meanwhile, the EU proposed relaxing merger rules to foster European champions. Major corporate moves included Amazon’s $11.6 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar to challenge Starlink, Standard Life’s £2 billion purchase of Aegon UK, and Axel Springer’s cleared bid for Telegraph Media Group. The report also notes Bill Ackman’s €55 billion bid for Universal Music Group and Goldman Sachs’ warning of a shrinking deal pipeline. These events illustrate a dynamic M&A landscape characterized by regulatory scrutiny, strategic tech expansions, and mixed signals regarding market confidence amidst volatile geopolitics and high interest rates.
ft