Here are the most read stories of the week.
Data Dispatch: Boutique advisers among heavyweights on CBS-Viacom merger
A handful of boutique financial firms appear among the typical banking giants advising on recent media megadeals, including the pending merger of CBS Corp. and Viacom Inc. The $20.91 billion deal to create the new ViacomCBS is the largest U.S. media consolidation transaction announced in 2019 to date, and it ranks among the top 10 media deals of the past several years.
Apple's new credit card 'an ecosystem lock-in play,' analysts say
While Apple Inc.'s new credit card is not expected to be a game-changer for the financial services industry, it could help Apple retain iPhone users and drive demand for the company's other products, analysts said. The card, which is backed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Mastercard Inc., charges no fees and offers a percentage of cash back on purchases made directly with Apple.
Analysis: Gamers seize on 5G to unite esports in Asia
As faster mobile networking technology arrives in the Asia-Pacific countries, the region's fragmented multiplayer online gaming sector stands to benefit from new investments by livestreaming platforms and gaming companies. Industry-watchers predict that new 5G networks, which offer faster, more reliable mobile streaming capabilities, will usher esports into the mainstream, making the video games sector ripe for a new "Netflix Inc.-like" platform that would bring together various gaming opportunities.
States' biometric privacy push could threaten big tech in US
While state legislative proposals to regulate biometric privacy continue to emerge around the country, the likelihood that they could increase financial liability for big tech companies depends on whether they allow private citizens the right to sue for violations, legal experts said in interviews. A federal appeals court ruled on Aug. 8 that a facial recognition class-action lawsuit contending that Facebook Inc. violated Illinois' biometric privacy law can move forward. The alleged violation could reportedly impact up to 7 million users.
Disney sets international launch date for streaming service in 4 markets
Walt Disney Co.'s Disney+ will be available in Canada and the Netherlands on Nov. 12, the same day the service debuts in the U.S. The new multiplatform streaming service will launch in Australia and New Zealand a week later, on Nov. 19. Disney+ will debut in the U.S. for $6.99 per month, or $69.99 annually, on a stand-alone basis, or for $12.99 per month when bundled with ESPN+ and the basic subscription video-on-demand service from Hulu LLC. Disney+ will offer content from Marvel, Pixar, Disney, National Geographic and the "Star Wars" franchise.
