Bank of America has named UBS investment banker Richard Hardegree as its new vice chair for mergers and acquisitions, according to an internal memo Reuters reviewed. Hardegree, who has more than 30 years of M&A experience and previously led technology investment banking at UBS, will join the bank in August and be based in Palo Alto. He will focus on semiconductors and report to Bank of America’s co-heads of global M&A, signaling a push to expand tech deal market share. The memo also cites booming deal momentum into 2026.
China has blocked Meta’s planned acquisition of Singapore-based AI startup Manus, calling out what analysts describe as “Singapore-washing.” The move signals tighter scrutiny of companies using overseas relocations to sidestep Chinese regulations, especially around AI talent and sensitive technology. It underscores Beijing’s growing assertiveness as competition for AI leadership intensifies worldwide.
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