BP Plc $BP faces a transformative decision as it explores options for its Castrol business, fueled by mounting acquisition interest from global energy groups and leading private equity funds. Sources close to the matter indicate that BP has circulated early-stage materials to targeted parties, including key industry players like Reliance Industries Ltd. $RELIANCE.NS and major financial sponsors such as Apollo Global Management Inc. $APO and Lone Star Funds. Investment groups Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. $BAM and Stonepeak Partners have also received information dossiers, highlighting the scope of market appetite for Castrol’s established business.

The upcoming initial public offering by Circle Internet Group Inc. is rapidly becoming a landmark moment in the intersection of legacy finance and the blockchain sector. According to recent SEC data, BlackRock Inc. $BLK is seeking to acquire approximately 10% of the shares offered during Circle’s IPO. This strategic intent demonstrates the expanding appetite of established capital market participants for exposure to digital asset infrastructure.

Exxon Mobil Corp. $XOM has reaffirmed its commitment to its current capital allocation strategy, demonstrating confidence in its operating model even if oil prices retreat to USD 50 per barrel. CEO Darren Woods made this announcement at the company’s annual meeting, referencing robust stress-testing conducted at the end of last year. The exercise modeled scenarios harsher than current market conditions, underscoring Exxon’s ability to maintain investment momentum and uphold shareholder returns without altering its core approach—even with oil futures (WTI) currently trading near USD 65 per barrel.