- Why Papa John’s (PZZA) Is Moving Closer to a Possible Sale
May 12, 2026
Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) is one of the best M&A target stocks to buy now.
Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) remains in play after Reuters reported on April 15 that the pizza chain was moving closer to a possible sale. The report said Qatari-backed Irth Capital had offered $47 per share in March, with backing from Brookfield Asset Management, after a prior joint bid with Apollo Global Management fell through last year. Reuters also reported that Irth had been conducting due diligence over the past month, while sources cautioned that negotiations were still ongoing and no agreement was guaranteed.Why Papa John’s (PZZA) Is Moving Closer to a Possible Sale
Copyright: olgasun / 123RF Stock Photo
The M&A setup comes as Papa John’s works through softer U.S. demand, which could make a take-private structure more attractive for buyers willing to underwrite a turnaround away from public-market pressure. On May 7, the company reported that first-quarter 2026 global systemwide restaurant sales fell 3%, while global comparable sales declined 4%. North America comparable sales decreased 6.4%, although international comparable sales increased 3.6%. Diluted EPS came in at $0.21, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.32.
Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) operates and franchises pizza restaurants across North America and international markets, offering pizza, sides, desserts, and related delivery and carryout services.
While we acknowledge the potential of PZZA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and Cathie Wood 2026 Portfolio: 10 Best Stocks to Buy.
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- Brookfield Infrastructure (BIP) Takes A Short-Term Hit As Strategic Expansion Continues
May 12, 2026
With an upside potential of 17.45%, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) is among the Best Transport Infrastructure Stocks to Buy for 2026.
On April 29, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) reported a Q1 net loss of $61 million compared to net income of $125 million in the prior year. The company noted that while strong operational growth was achieved, results were impacted by one-time unrealized hedge losses in its midstream segment, driven by elevated commodity prices. CEO Sam Pollock emphasized that the business delivered solid underlying performance while advancing strategic initiatives, with partnerships alongside high-quality counterparties increasingly contributing to growth and reinforcing Brookfield’s positioning as a preferred partner for large-scale infrastructure investments.
On March 23, Morgan Stanley analyst Robert Kad upgraded Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) to Overweight from Equal Weight, maintaining a price target of $45. The analyst highlighted that the current valuation does not fully reflect the company’s accelerating growth profile, particularly its expanding role as a data center developer, and sees approximately 28% one-year total return potential for the units.
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP), founded in 2007 (listed in 2008) and headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, is a leading global owner and operator of high-quality, long-life infrastructure assets across utilities, transport, midstream, and data sectors. The company generates stable, inflation-linked cash flows through a diversified portfolio that includes over 4,000 kilometers of toll roads, port terminals, and freight rail networks in regions such as Australia and Brazil, playing a critical role in global trade and transportation. With a dual structure offering both partnership and corporate shares, Brookfield continues to expand by acquiring essential infrastructure assets characterized by high barriers to entry.
Despite short-term earnings volatility driven by non-cash hedge impacts, Brookfield’s underlying operational strength and strategic partnerships continue to support a robust growth trajectory. Coupled with strong analyst conviction and expanding exposure to high-growth sectors such as data infrastructure, the company is well-positioned to deliver attractive long-term returns.
While we acknowledge the potential of BIP as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
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READ NEXT: 7 Best Machine Learning Stocks to Buy According to Short Sellers and 10 Under-the-Radar Stocks That Are On Fire Right Now.
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- BROOKFIELD BANCSHARES, INC. AND FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BROOKFIELD ANNOUNCE EXECUTION OF MERGER AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE NSTS BANCORP, INC. AND NORTH SHORE TRUST AND SAVINGS
May 12, 2026
BROOKFIELD, Ill. and WAUKEGAN, Ill., May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Bancshares, Inc. (“Brookfield”), the holding company for First National Bank of Brookfield (“FNBB”), and NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSTS) (“NSTS”), the holding company for North Shore Trust and Savings (“North Shore”), today jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement in which Brookfield will acquire NSTS and North Shore in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $73.7 million. North Shore will continue to operate under its existing name and federal savings association charter as a subsidiary of Brookfield.
North Shore’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen G. Lear, will remain on North Shore’s board of directors after the acquisition. One additional individual, to be mutually agreed to by the parties, from North Shore’s current board of directors or from the communities served by North Shore, will also serve on the board of directors. Following the closing of the transaction, Brookfield’s two banking subsidiaries will operate a total of four branches in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin MSA and will have an aggregate of over $600 million in assets.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Brookfield and NSTS, NSTS stockholders will receive approximately $14.28 in cash for each share of NSTS common stock owned. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to certain conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals, NSTS stockholder approval, and other closing conditions. Subject to and upon completion of the transaction, NSTS’s shares will no longer trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
“We are excited to join forces with the North Shore team and expand our presence into the Waukegan market,” said Phil Richard, President & CEO of FNBB. “We will continue to provide the same level of service that customers are accustomed to receiving and look forward to broadening the banking products and services that North Shore can offer its clients.”
Mr. Lear added, “Brookfield has a tremendous reputation in the marketplace and we’re excited for the next chapter of North Shore as we believe this partnership will enhance our abilities to serve our clients.”
Advisors
Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor and Vedder Price P.C. served as legal counsel to NSTS. Angkor Strategic Advisors served as financial advisor to Brookfield and Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP served as its legal advisor.
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About First National Bank of Brookfield
First National Bank of Brookfield is a locally focused community bank founded in 1962, dedicated to serving Brookfield, Illinois and beyond through personalized banking, trusted advice, and long-term relationships. First National Bank of Brookfield combines traditional community banking values with modern digital tools, offering products ranging from consumer accounts to commercial lending.
About NSTS Bancorp, Inc. and North Shore Trust and Savings
NSTS Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company of North Shore Trust and Savings. As of December 31, 2025, North Shore Trust and Savings had total assets of $266.6 million and operates from its offices located in Waukegan and Lindenhurst, Illinois, respectively. For over 100 years, North Shore Trust and Savings has served the local communities where it operates and has deep and longstanding relationships with its businesses and retail customers as well as local municipalities.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the expected timetable for completion of the proposed transaction, the results, effects and benefits of the proposed transaction, future opportunities for Brookfield, NSTS and their respective subsidiaries, and any other statements regarding future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to each of Brookfield’s, NSTS’s and their respective subsidiaries’ plans, strategies and expectations, near-term loan growth, net interest margin, mortgage banking profits, expenses, asset quality, capital levels, continued earnings, and liquidity. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “may,’’ “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan” or similar expressions, including the negative forms of such expressions. Forward-looking statements are frequently based on assumptions that may or may not materialize and are subject to numerous uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, the possibility that stockholders of NSTS may not approve the merger agreement; the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied, that either party may terminate the merger agreement or that the closing of the proposed transaction might be delayed or not occur at all; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; the ultimate timing, outcome and results of integrating the operations of NSTS into those of Brookfield; the effects of the merger on Brookfield’s and NSTS’s future financial condition, results of operations, strategy and plans; and regulatory approvals of the transaction.
Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in NSTS’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 27, 2026, and in its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in other documents NSTS files with the SEC, each of which is on file with the SEC and available at its website at www.sec.gov and available from NSTS’s website at https://ir.northshoretrust.com/sec-filings/all-sec-filings.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Neither Brookfield nor NSTS assumes any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.
Important Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction, NSTS will file with the SEC and provide its stockholders with a proxy statement on Schedule 14A and other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, NSTS will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the proposed transaction. STOCKHOLDERS OF NSTS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION THAT NSTS FILES WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The preliminary proxy statement, the definitive proxy statement and any other documents filed by NSTS with the SEC (when available) may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by accessing the Investor Relations section of NSTS’s website at https://ir.northshoretrust.com/sec-filings/all-sec-filings.
Participants in the Proxy Solicitation
NSTS and its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from NSTS’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding NSTS’s executive officers and directors, including their ownership of NSTS’s securities, is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2026 annual meeting of stockholders filed with the SEC on April 17, 2026, and subsequent documents filed with the SEC.
Additional information regarding the identity of participants in the solicitation of proxies, and a description of their direct or indirect interests in the proposed transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction when they become available.
Contacts:
First National Bank of Brookfield
Phil Richard
President & CEO
(708) 485-2770
NSTS Bancorp, Inc.
Stephen G. Lear
Chairman, President & CEO
(847) 336-4430
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- Body and Mind Provides Corporate Update
May 12, 2026 · newsfilecorp.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 12, 2026) - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (the "Company" or "BaM") is pleased to announce that it has closed the New Jersey equity interest transaction, which it had previously disclosed in a news release dated August 27, 2025. As per prior disclosure, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, DEP Nevada, Inc. ("DEP"), entered into a Purchase Agreement with Ascend New Jersey, LLC (the "Purchaser"), whereby DEP, which owned 100% of BaM Body and Mind Dispensary NJ, Inc. ("BAM NJ") agreed to sell all of the equity interests (the "Interests") in BAM NJ to the Purchaser and a social equity partner (the "Social Equity Partner"), which resulted in Purchaser owning 35% of BAM NJ and Purchaser's Social Equity Partner owning 65% of BAM NJ.
- BODY AND MIND PROVIDES CORPORATE UPDATE
May 12, 2026
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(NEWSFILE CORP. - MAY 12, 2026) - BODY AND MIND INC. (CSE: BAMM) (THE "COMPANY" OR "BAM") IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT HAS CLOSED THE NEW JERSEY EQUITY INTEREST TRANSACTION, WHICH IT HAD PREVIOUSLY DISCLOSED IN A NEWS RELEASE DATED AUGUST 27, 2025. AS PER PRIOR DISCLOSURE, THE COMPANY'S WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY, DEP NEVADA, INC. ("DEP"), ENTERED INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH ASCEND NEW JERSEY, LLC (THE "PURCHASER"), WHEREBY DEP, WHICH OWNED 100% OF BAM BODY AND MIND DISPENSARY NJ, INC. ("BAM NJ") AGREED TO SELL ALL OF THE EQUITY INTERESTS (THE "INTERESTS") IN BAM NJ TO THE PURCHASER AND A SOCIAL EQUITY PARTNER (THE "SOCIAL EQUITY PARTNER"), WHICH RESULTED IN PURCHASER OWNING 35% OF BAM NJ AND PURCHASER'S SOCIAL EQUITY PARTNER OWNING 65% OF BAM NJ.
- A Look At Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM) Valuation As Q1 Results And OpenAI Partnership Draw Attention
May 12, 2026
Find your next quality investment with Simply Wall St's easy and powerful screener, trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide.
Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM) is back in focus after reporting first quarter 2026 results and confirming a major role in OpenAI’s new Deployment Company, where it is a co-lead founding partner and significant investor.
See our latest analysis for Brookfield Asset Management.
The recent OpenAI Deployment Company announcement and Q1 results come after a mixed spell for Brookfield Asset Management’s stock, with the share price down 8.95% year to date and a 1 year total shareholder return decline of 14.08%. However, the 3 year total shareholder return of 74.02% points to much stronger longer term performance. Short term momentum has picked up again with a 7 day share price return of 3.07% and a 30 day share price return of 7.55% following earnings, even though the 90 day share price return is still down 6.83% and the stock eased 1.75% in the last session to CA$66.82.
If you are looking beyond Brookfield’s AI and infrastructure focus, this is a good moment to widen your search and review 59 profitable AI stocks that aren't just burning cash
With Brookfield trading at CA$66.82 after a weak year, but with annual revenue and net income growth above 13% and a discount to some analyst price targets, is the stock on sale or already pricing in future growth?
Most Popular Narrative: 21% Undervalued
The most followed narrative pegs Brookfield Asset Management’s fair value at CA$84.62 compared with the last close of CA$66.82, which sets up an optimistic long term case built around private markets and AI linked infrastructure.
Rising demand for AI related infrastructure and power supply, including the US$100b global AI infrastructure program and the AI fund targeting US$10b, is supporting higher deployment into long-term contracted assets with potential to lift both fee-related earnings and margin efficiency.
Read the complete narrative.
Want to see what sits under that AI and infrastructure story? The core of this narrative is a tight link between fee bearing capital, future margins and a richer earnings profile.
Result: Fair Value of CA$84.62 (UNDERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.
However, this AI and private markets story still relies on continued capital flows and successful execution, and any slowdown in fundraising or deployment could quickly challenge it.
Find out about the key risks to this Brookfield Asset Management narrative.
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Another View: What The P/E Says
While the leading narrative points to a fair value of CA$84.62, the current P/E of 30.9x tells a trickier story. It is lower than peers at 40.2x but above the Canadian Capital Markets average of 9x and its own fair ratio of 27.2x, which suggests less room for error if growth stumbles.
See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.TSX:BAM P/E Ratio as at May 2026
Next Steps
With mixed signals on valuation and sentiment running both hot and cold, this is a moment to act quickly and test the numbers yourself. Start with the 2 key rewards and 1 important warning sign.
Looking for more investment ideas?
If you stop with just one stock, you may miss opportunities sitting in plain sight. Use the screener to quickly spot fresh ideas that fit your approach.
Target potential mispricing by scanning 6 high quality undervalued stocks that pair solid fundamentals with room for sentiment to catch up. Prioritise resilience by focusing on 12 resilient stocks with low risk scores that aim to keep volatility in check when markets turn choppy. Spot potential future standouts early by reviewing the screener containing 10 high quality undiscovered gems hiding beyond widely followed large caps.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include BAM.TO.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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- Brookfield Asset Management: 2026 Set To Be Record Year For Fee-Bearing Capital Formation
May 11, 2026 · seekingalpha.com
Brookfield Asset Management is trading 22% below its 52-week high, with strong fee-bearing capital growth during the first quarter and a 4.04% dividend yield. BAM is targeting $1.1 trillion in fee-bearing capital by 2029, expecting to exceed its 16% CAGR goal, driven by robust investor demand in credit and infrastructure. First-quarter fee-related earnings rose 11% year-over-year to $772 million, with distributable earnings reaching $702 million. This was up 7% over the year-ago comp.
- Steffan Szumowki From the Nuclear Energy Content Hub Details How Partnerships and Positive Sentiment Boost U.S. Nuclear
May 11, 2026
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - May 11, 2026) - As detailed by Steffan Szumowski, a contributor for VettaFi's Nuclear Energy Content Hub, The nuclear industry has seen a recent flurry of announcements, headlined by two major industry partnerships to rapidly deploy new reactors. These exciting developments come against the backdrop of a new national poll showing increased positive sentiment towards nuclear energy. This all adds to the positive tailwinds for nuclear development in the U.S.
Brookfield Asset Management (BAM) and The Nuclear Company (TNC, private) have formed a new partnership to deploy Westinghouse AP1000 and AP300 reactors, while Blue Energy (private) has teamed with GE Vernova (GEV) to pioneer a gas-plus-nuclear hybrid approach. These developments arrive as a new Gallup poll revealed record public support for nuclear energy alongside declining enthusiasm for solar and wind. Together, the announcements highlight how private-sector execution expertise and innovative deployment models are translating policy momentum and shifting sentiment into tangible project progress.
The VettaFi Nuclear Renaissance Index (NUKZX) provides exposure to companies that will benefit from these tailwinds. The index includes key reactor technology owners, equipment providers, and service firms positioned to generate revenue from these projects. NUKZX serves as the underlying index for the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ).
To view the full article, please visit: https://www.etftrends.com/nuclear-energy-content-hub/partnerships-positive-sentiment-boost-u-s-nuclear/
About the Nuclear Energy Content Hub Sponsored by Range ETFs
The Nuclear Energy Content Hub, a dedicated segment of ETF Trends, is a comprehensive destination for news, insights, and analysis on nuclear energy-related content tied to Range ETFs. This hub offers smart nuclear energy conversations, highlighting new product launches, market trends, investment strategies, and expert commentary. Whether you're an investor seeking to understand nuclear energy in an ETF format or a financial professional staying informed on industry innovations, the Nuclear Energy Content Hub provides essential resources to navigate this dynamic segment of the market.
About VettaFi
VettaFi is a leading provider of data-driven insights and specialized services for asset managers and investors, bringing together a wealth of expertise to support client success. At the core of VettaFi is a commitment to fostering strong relationships and delivering innovative solutions that help clients engage, grow, and thrive in an increasingly complex financial landscape.
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For more information about VettaFi, please visit www.vettafi.com
Media Contact:
Steffan Szumonwski
help@vettafi.com
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/297064
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- OpenAI unveils PE-backed joint venture to accelerate AI adoption
May 11, 2026
OpenAI has formally unveiled OpenAI Deployment Company, a new venture aimed at accelerating corporate AI adoption.
The initiative is backed by a mix of asset managers, private equity managers and consultancy firms and comes at a time when pressure from AI disruption is calling for a fundamental rethink of the industry’s traditional playbook.
The new JV launches with more than $4 billion in initial capital backed by a consortium of investment and consulting firms, led by TPG. Advent International, Bain Capital and Brookfield Asset Management are listed as the “co-lead founding partners,” according to the press release, while Warburg Pincus, Goldman Sachs and SoftBank are among the additional backers, alongside consulting firms Bain & Company, Capgemini and McKinsey & Company. Brookfield separately disclosed a $500 million commitment to the platform.
OpenAI will hold a majority ownership stake in the venture and has indicated it will use the proceeds to scale operations and make acquisitions. As part of this effort, it has acquired Tomoro, an AI consulting firm, which added about 150 AI specialists, known as “forward-deployed engineers,” to help drive adoption within corporates.
News of the venture had been circulating for several weeks before Monday’s announcement. Bloomberg had reported on OpenAI’s intensifying push to increase corporate adoption amid heightened competition and a widely anticipated IPO.
The move also comes at a time when the rapid evolution of AI is transforming businesses across industries—from technology and healthcare to services and industrials—reshaping the PE playbook. Managers are redrawing the map for capital deployment, adjusting their valuation models and rethinking how to grow their portfolios.
Consequently, many are raising the bar on deals. Generalist managers are diversifying exposure across sectors to reduce risk, while specialists are making the opposite bet—relying on their sector expertise to winnow down potential candidates to find those that can benefit from AI, according to EY. And the calculus is particularly fraught in the software industry, where AI is compressing valuations for SaaS businesses and eroding the recurring revenue premiums that once justified high multiples.
Zeroing in on the segment, PE dealmaking has languished in early 2026. Through May 11, buyout firms have struck 198 software deals totaling $16.55 billion, according to PitchBook data. That pace falls far short of last year’s, when software deal value ended the year at nearly $160 billion—the highest ever recorded—and deal count hit 633. If activity continues at its current rate, 2026 deal value would be the lowest since 2019.
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OpenAI is not the only AI model maker vying for a PE-backed client base. This month, Anthropic launched a parallel venture, backed by Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs, Apollo Global Management, General Atlantic and Sequoia.
This article originally appeared on PitchBook News
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- Sector Update: Financial Stocks Fall Monday
May 11, 2026
Financial stocks fell Monday with the NYSE Financial Index declining 0.4% and the State Street Finan
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