Jefferies and SMBC Group’s Significant Expansion of Global Strategic Alliance

On August 29, 2025, PepsiCo, Inc. (“PepsiCo”) and Celsius Holdings, Inc. (“Celsius Holdings”) announced an agreement to strengthen their long-term strategic partnership. As part of the agreement, (i) Celsius Holdings’ Alani Nu brand will move to the PepsiCo distribution system in the U.S. and Canada, (ii) PepsiCo has acquired $585 million in newly issued convertible 5% preferred stock while extending its existing preferred stock to the same conversion period and (iii) Celsius Holdings has acquired the Rockstar Energy brand in the U.S. and Canada from PepsiCo. PepsiCo will continue to own the Rockstar brand internationally. Celsius Holdings will become the strategic energy lead in the U.S., managing the Celsius, Alani Nu and Rockstar Energy brands, while PepsiCo will lead distribution for the Celsius Holdings portfolio in the U.S. and Canada. Cravath is representing PepsiCo in connection with the transaction.

On August 14, 2025, Fitch Learning, a global leader in financial learning and professional certifications, announced it signed an agreement with Moody’s to acquire two of their businesses, Moody’s Analytics Learning Solutions, a global provider of credit training, and the Canadian Securities Institute, a leading provider of professional certifications for the Canadian financial services industry. Cravath is representing Fitch Learning in connection with the transaction.

On August 10, 2025, International Money Express, Inc. (“Intermex”) and The Western Union Company (“Western Union”) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Western Union will acquire Intermex in an all‑cash transaction at $16.00 per share, representing a total equity and enterprise value of approximately $500 million. Cravath is representing Intermex’s Strategic Alternatives Committee in connection with the transaction.

On August 7, 2025, Paramount Global and Skydance Media (“Skydance”) announced the completion of their merger, creating a standalone global media and entertainment company, Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (“Paramount”). Paramount Class B shares will begin trading today on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under “PSKY.” Cravath represented the Paramount Special Committee in connection with the transaction.