New York – October 02, 2026 -- Corporate dealmaking accelerated this week as Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Capital Bancorp, Inc. agreed to merge into a $14 billion-asset bank, and AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon launched a joint venture aimed at eliminating mobile dead zones, underscoring consolidation pressure across financial services and telecommunications infrastructure.
Peoples Bancorp and Capital Bancorp combine into a $14 billion-asset institution
The merger agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Capital Bancorp, Inc. will create a combined entity with approximately $14 billion in total assets, $10 billion in total loans and $11 billion in total deposits. The new bank will operate more than 150 banking locations across eight states and Washington, D.C., alongside nationwide specialty financial services platforms.
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon form carrier alliance, appoint Paul Roth interim CEO
The three largest U.S. wireless carriers launched a joint venture designed to strengthen connectivity in areas where traditional cell service is unreliable, naming Paul Roth as interim CEO. Terrestrial mobile networks will continue operating independently, with the venture positioned as a supplementary layer offering stronger coverage and greater choice where coverage gaps persist.
Hormel Foods agrees to acquire Brakebush to expand value-added chicken business
Hormel Foods Corporation signed a definitive agreement to acquire Brakebush Brothers, LLC, a move the company said advances its strategy of investing in growing protein categories. The deal is expected to expand Hormel's position in value-added chicken and strengthen its foodservice platform.
Leica Biosystems completes StatLab acquisition to bolster cancer diagnostics
Leica Biosystems finalized its acquisition of StatLab, a deal intended to improve delivery of more precise, timely diagnostics for cancer patients. The company said the combination will help care teams access critical disease information to inform personalized treatment decisions.
Scholastic and Choice Hotels pursue acquisitions to broaden consumer reach
Scholastic agreed to acquire Cottage Door Press, a fast-growing early childhood publisher, in a move expected to broaden its children's publishing portfolio across formats and channels. Separately, Choice Hotels agreed to acquire Harvest Hosts, which connects RV travelers with overnight stays at more than 11,200 host locations including wineries, farms, breweries and museums, extending Choice Hotels' reach into outdoor and RV travel.
ADP reports private-sector job growth rebounds to 90,000 in September
According to the ADP National Employment Report, private-sector employment increased by 90,000 jobs in September, following a three-month slowdown. ADP chief economist Dr. Nela Richardson described the report as strong, noting that pay growth remained solid alongside the rebound in hiring.