Deal News For Oct 7th 2025
Did You Miss It? Are you caught up yet?
🛰️ Macro Radar
Cap markets just repriced growth—here’s why: The Canadian M&A market in H1 2025 saw deal value soar to CA$113.7 billion, a 70% year-over-year increase, despite flat transaction volume. This signals a strategic pivot towards fewer, high-value transactions, particularly in energy and infrastructure. Meanwhile, cross-border investments between Canada and the U.S. continue to thrive, driven by larger market access and favorable debt costs. [Source]
📰 Mega Deals & Strategic M&A
- GLPI’s $183.75M Acquisition: Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. is acquiring Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino’s real estate assets for $183.75 million, with Strategic Gaming Management taking over operations. This deal, closing October 15th, highlights a strategic hedge against operational risks in the volatile gaming sector. [Source]
- Blackstone & Lunate’s $5B Logistics Platform: Blackstone and Lunate are launching a $5 billion logistics investment platform in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, emphasizing the growing allure of regional infrastructure to global private capital. [Source]
- RapidWorks Expands with CRO Software: RapidWorks has acquired Calgary’s CRO Software, enhancing its growth trajectory in waste management and recycling software. This cross-border expansion underscores the appetite for niche software solutions. [Source]
🚀 Growth Equity & Minority Rounds
- Mixue’s $40M Draft Beer Acquisition: China’s Mixue is diversifying with a $40 million acquisition of a takeout draft beer company, tapping into the booming craft beer market. [Source]
- North American Startup Funding: Q3 saw $63.1 billion funneled into North American startups, reflecting sustained investor appetite for innovation. [Source]
🏭 Sector Spotlight: Industrials & Energy
- Brookfield’s $23.5B Energy Transition Fund: Brookfield has raised $23.5 billion for its energy transition fund, marking it as the largest private fund dedicated to clean energy. [Source]
💡 Tech & Innovation Deals
- EVA Air & BLAST Partnership: EVA Air partners with BLAST for Dota 2 tournaments, highlighting the intersection of traditional industries with digital entertainment. [Source]
🏦 Financing & Capital Markets
- Global IPO Surge: China and India’s IPOs have lifted global stock and bond fundraising to a four-year high, signaling a buoyant market mood. [Source]
- Bain Capital’s $14B Fund Close: Bain Capital closes its fourteenth flagship private equity fund at $14 billion, indicating a robust appetite for high-stakes investments. [Source].
⚖️ Regulatory & Competition Watch
- Cineplex’s $38.9M Penalty Appeal: Cineplex is appealing a $38.9 million penalty for drip pricing, emphasizing the need for transparency in pricing strategies. [Source]
- Anfield’s Regulatory Win: Anfield Energy secures approvals for its Velvet-Wood mine, highlighting the importance of navigating regulatory landscapes efficiently. [Source]
📈 Deal Metrics to Watch
- Japan’s $31B Export Screening: Japan tightens export controls on $31 billion worth of machine tools, drones, and chips, impacting Canadian firms relying on Japanese tech. [Source]
🗣️ Quote of the Week
> “MDP believes there are multiple drivers to accelerate organic growth that are not reliant upon industry tailwinds.”
> — Matt Raino, Madison Dearborn Partners [Source]
Raino’s confidence in organic growth sans industry tailwinds is a bold stance in a market where everyone is chasing the next big wave.
For Canadian mid-market players, this raises a critical question: Are you relying too heavily on market conditions, or do you have the internal levers to pull for growth?