Let's talk about deals. Not the kind you make on a used car, but the multi-billion dollar kind that reshape companies, industries, and sometimes even your investment portfolio. This week's batch has a little bit of everything: activist investors rattling cages, private equity writing big checks, and even a Super Bowl champion potentially hitting the market.
New Kids on the (Auction) Block
First up, a potential sale that's more about touchdowns than tickers. The estate of the late Paul Allen is officially starting the process to sell the Seattle Seahawks. Allen, who bought the team in 1997 and saw them win their first Super Bowl in 2013, stipulated in his will that the franchise be sold after his death, with proceeds likely going to charity. His sister, Jody Allen, has been chairing the team, but now advisors are in place to find a new owner. It's a reminder that even iconic sports franchises are assets in someone's portfolio.
Speaking of assets someone wants to move, activist hedge fund Starboard Value is turning up the heat on Tripadvisor (TRIP). In a letter this week, Starboard—known for its campaigns at companies like Yahoo and Salesforce—urged the travel site to explore a sale. They're not picky; it could be the whole company or just selling off individual business units. The argument is classic activist playbook: years of stock underperformance and strategic missteps have eroded shareholder value, and it's time to "unlock" it. To make sure the board listens, Starboard plans to nominate a majority slate of directors at the 2026 annual meeting, setting the stage for a potential proxy fight. When an activist like Starboard shows up, it's usually a sign they think there's a lot of value trapped inside, just waiting for the right transaction to set it free.
Deals in Motion: Signatures and Handshakes
Meanwhile, other companies aren't waiting for activist pressure; they're making moves on their own. His & Hers Health (HIMS) is expanding its digital health empire with a $1.15 billion deal to acquire Eucalyptus. The plan is to broaden its international footprint. The payment structure is interesting: $240 million in cash upfront, with the rest paid out over the next 18 months in guaranteed deferred payments, plus more money later if Eucalyptus hits certain financial targets through early 2029. It's a way for His & Hers to manage risk—pay more only if the acquisition delivers.
Over in the world of global trade, shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has agreed to buy ZIM Integrated Shipping Services for $35.00 per share in cash, valuing ZIM at around $4.2 billion. This is a scale play. With freight rates staying low, getting bigger helps companies compete more effectively. The ZIM board unanimously approved the deal, which should close by late 2026, with the goal of enhancing service through an expanded global network.
In the healthcare sector, Danaher Corporation is making a big bet, agreeing to acquire medical technology innovator Masimo Corporation for $180.00 per share in cash, totaling $9.9 billion. Masimo, known for its patient monitoring tech, will become a standalone unit within Danaher's Diagnostics segment but will operate autonomously. That's a common move for Danaher—buying innovative companies and letting them run while providing corporate backbone.
Not every deal shouts its price tag. AIT Worldwide Logistics entered a definitive agreement with private equity firm Greenbriar Equity Group, but the financial terms weren't disclosed. The company says it aligns with early phases of its strategy to hit cultural, financial, and quality goals by 2030. Sometimes the story is more about the partnership than the price.
And for those who like a clean car, there's news: Mister Car Wash Inc. (MCW) is going private. Private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners is buying the company for about $3.1 billion, offering $7 per share in cash for all outstanding shares. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, after which Mister Car Wash's shares will be delisted from Nasdaq. It's a classic private equity play—take a public company private, hopefully improve operations, and maybe take it public again later at a higher valuation.
In the world of online marketplaces, eBay is buying Depop from Etsy for about $1.2 billion in cash. Etsy, which bought Depop nearly five years ago, says the sale lets it refocus on its core business. Depop has become a popular platform for younger consumers buying and selling secondhand fashion. It's a niche play for eBay, which seems to be betting on the continued growth of the resale market.
And not every deal offer gets a warm welcome. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has rejected the latest hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance (PSKY), giving them until February 23 to submit a "best and final offer." The twist? Netflix can match whatever offer comes in. It's a high-stakes game of corporate chess with streaming supremacy on the line.
