IAM Publishes Article by Dave Kappos on the Unified Patent Court’s FRAND Decisions

On November 25, 2025, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (“Robinhood”) announced it is extending its prediction markets offering through a new joint venture and partnership with Susquehanna International Group (“Susquehanna”) to operate a CFTC-licensed exchange and clearinghouse. Robinhood will serve as the controlling partner. The independent joint venture will serve Futures Commission Merchant platforms with futures and derivative products, including prediction markets. The venture will accelerate delivery of its services by acquiring MIAXdx, a CFTC-licensed Designated Contract Market, Derivatives Clearing Organization and Swap Execution Facility, and wholly-owned subsidiary of Miami International Holdings, Inc. (“MIAX”). MIAX will remain invested through a strategic 10% equity stake in the exchange. Cravath is representing Robinhood in connection with the transaction.

On November 17, 2025, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd. (“MSI”), a leading Japanese insurance company and subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc., announced it has agreed to acquire an 18% equity interest in Barings LLC (“Barings”), an asset management company and wholly owned subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), from MassMutual. MassMutual will receive approximately $1.44 billion as a result of the transaction. Barings will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary of MassMutual. Cravath is representing MSI in connection with the transaction.

On October 2, 2025, Occidental, an international energy company, and Berkshire Hathaway announced a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire Occidental’s chemical business, OxyChem, in an all‑cash transaction for $9.7 billion, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Cravath is representing Occidental in connection with the transaction.

On September 19, 2025, Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. (“Jefferies”) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. (collectively, “SMBC Group”) announced they are significantly expanding their Global Strategic Alliance. This will include a joint venture to combine their Japanese equities and ECM businesses. As part of this expansion, SMBC intends to increase its equity ownership in Jefferies to up to 20% in the open market. Cravath is representing Jefferies in connection with the transactions.