Hugh Elwes, a Managing Director at Stephens Investment Banking, explains in Wealth DFM Magazine why fresh momentum has returned to the UK M&A space for asset and wealth management companies.

The Labor Department reported that <strong>i</strong><strong>nitial jobless claims</strong> increased more than expected last week, which included the Memorial Day weekend. Much of the increase appears to be related to seasonal adjustments to account for the holiday. Claims in regular state programs increased 27,000 to 229,000 for the week ending June 4th, after reporting 202,000 initial claims the prior week. The four-week moving average climbed to 215,000 from 207,000 the prior week. The total number of people continuing to receive regular ongoing state benefits, a report which is lagged one week, remained unchanged at 1.306 million for the week ending May 28th.

What sets Arkansas apart? For Warren Stephens, it’s the people. Arkansas is home to a diverse and talented workforce, which powers a wide range of industries across the state.

Southern Bancorp Inc. has closed on its acquisition of FCB Financial Services Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Premier Bank of Arkansas.

Shares of buy now, pay later (BNPL) companies stumbled on Tuesday as the entry of Apple Inc (AAPL.O) threatened to ratchet up competition in a sector reeling from geopolitical tensions, regulatory scrutiny and rising interest rates.

Crown Products, Inc. Has Been Acquired By ShoreView Industries. Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to WILsquare Capital (“WILsquare”) on the Transaction.

Cadre Holdings, Inc. Prices Its Follow-on Offering. Stephens served as a Bookrunner on the offering. | $94 Million | 06/09/2022

Rising inflation rates, auto accidents, natural disasters, nuclear verdicts, and "social inflation" have contributed to rising insurance premiums and lower risk appetite from carriers in the oil and gas sector. In this context, oil and gas companies are relying on more tailored, innovative insurance solutions to meet their evolving needs.

American Bank, N.A. has agreed to acquire TexStar National Bank. Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to American Bank, N.A.