Hi everyone – welcome to your 3 Shifts Edition [AI-generated audio version].

First, 2025 is finally showing nascent signs of a more full-throttled comeback for M&A, after years of sluggish activity. With examples like Rocket snapping up Redfin and Unilever shedding €1B in brands, dealmaking seems to be warming up. A looser antitrust stance under the Trump administration and AI-driven acquisitions are fueling the momentum.

Next, AI is taking over ad-buying, automating everything from audience targeting to ad placement. Meta, Google, TikTok, and others have rolled out end-to-end AI tools, and marketers are trading less control for higher returns. The future of digital ad-buying seems to be – push a button, let AI do its thing, and hope it doesn’t blow your budget before noon.

Finally, Trump wants to bring back US shipbuilding, with a new White House office and tax incentives to jumpstart production. The draft plan includes docking fees for Chinese-built ships and operators of fleets with a high proportion of Chinese-built ships. Whether this sparks a shipbuilding renaissance or just raises import costs remains to be seen.

Enjoy.

Tam

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