Key Takeaways
- Pacific Equity Partners is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Spark New Zealand's (SPK) data center business, a deal that could value the assets at over NZ$600 million ($357 million).
- European powers and Ukraine have presented a counterproposal to Putin's ceasefire plan, explicitly rejecting Russia's demand for territory exchange in Donetsk.
- The American side has reacted positively to the European peace plan, with meetings showing progress toward President Trump's goal of ending the war in Ukraine.
- Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Europe remains committed to supplying Ukraine with weapons and money, regardless of political shifts in Washington.
- The conflict in the Middle East continues to claim lives, with Nasser Medical Complex reporting six martyrs from Israeli bombing in Khan Younis, and a Palestinian martyred in Jericho.
M&A Heats Up in Data Center Sector
Pacific Equity Partners, a prominent investment firm, is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Spark New Zealand's (SPK) data center business. This potential acquisition, reported by the Australian Financial Review, could value the assets at more than NZ$600 million (approximately $357 million). The move highlights the increasing interest in digital infrastructure assets, driven by growing demand for data storage and processing capabilities.
Ukraine Diplomacy Intensifies with Counterproposal
European powers and Ukraine have responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's ceasefire plan with a comprehensive counterproposal, according to the Wall Street Journal. This European plan notably rejects Russia's demand for the exchange of territories in Donetsk for a ceasefire. The counterproposal emphasizes that a ceasefire must be achieved before any further steps toward a peace settlement can be taken, and any territorial exchange must be strictly reciprocal.
Meetings held in the UK with senior U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saw the presentation of this joint European and Ukrainian plan. A U.S. official indicated that these hours-long discussions have "produced significant progress" toward President Trump's objective of ending the war in Ukraine. This positive American reaction signals a potential alignment in diplomatic approaches.
Despite the ongoing peace initiatives, European officials have reiterated their unwavering commitment to Ukraine. A European official stated that Europe will continue to supply Ukraine with weapons and money, regardless of political developments in Washington. This underscores Europe's long-term resolve to support Ukraine's defense and sovereignty.
Middle East Conflict Sees Continued Casualties
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with reports of continued violence. Nasser Medical Complex has confirmed that the number of martyrs from Israeli bombing on central and eastern Khan Younis has risen to six. Separately, a Palestinian was martyred by occupation forces' gunfire in the city of Jericho, east of the West Bank, with reports indicating his body is being detained.
Amidst these developments, the father of an Israeli captive in Gaza voiced his anguish, stating that his son is "being crushed in the hands of Netanyahu, who only seeks to ensure his political survival." This statement highlights the immense pressure on Israeli leadership regarding the fate of the remaining captives.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.