The mergers and acquisition spree of 2010 is going out on a high note, with one source telling BNN that Sony Corp. (SNE-N 35.71 0.14 0.39%) is preparing a bid for big-screen movie company IMAX Corp. (IMAX-Q 30.6 3.74 13.92%) at more than $40 US a share. The UK’s Daily Mail was first to report on the possible acquisition. But Porter Bibb, Managing Partner at MediaTech Capital Partners LLC, tells BNN Sony and IMAX are in talks. “I can confirm that both Sony and Disney are in serious talks with IMAX about a takeover, probably at $40 per share or more,” Bibb told BNN in an email. IMAX, which put itself up for sale in the past, posted a third-quarter profit that blew past analyst expectations and forecast rapid expansion of its theatre network, especially in emerging markets such as China. IMAX has about 400 commercial movie screens and is eyeing 1,200 other potential locations, said Brett Harriss, an analyst with Gabelli & Co. "IMAX has done a fantastic job over the last five years becoming a powerhouse," he said. "IMAX has an advantage over others. It's a premium product. If you are going to get out the house you may as well spend an extra 5 bucks to see an IMAX (movie)." Toronto-based IMAX has capitalized on the latest craze for 3D movies like News Corp's Avatar and Disney's Toy Story 3, helping it weather the downturn of other theatre chains.

Annie Lennox, Trevor Horn and Richard Thompson have all been named on the Queen's New Year's Honours list.

Lennox, the former lead singer of the Eurythmics, will receive an OBE for her charity work with Oxfam in the fight against AIDS in Africa, reports BBC News.

"As somewhat of a renegade, it either means I've done something terribly right - or they've done something terribly wrong," Lennox said. "In any case, whatever powers-that-be have deemed me worthy of such a recognition, I'm getting my fake leopard pillbox hat dusted and ready."

Meanwhile, Trevor Horn is set to receive a CBE for his services to music. Horn originally formed The Buggles, who famously had the 1979 hit 'Video Killed The Radio Star'.

Since then he has also produced for a number acts including Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Pet Shop Boys, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, ABC, Delays and Robbie Williams.

Also on the list is Richard Thompson, who also receives an OBE for his services to music.

Thompson was previously a member of Fairport Convention and has also recorded and toured as a solo performer.