#acquisition

With Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier moving toward completion, industry analysts expect a first wave of layoffs in March–April 2026. Estimates suggest roughly 4,500–9,000 Verizon employees could be affected, mostly in corporate, administrative, and overlapping network operations roles, while frontline technicians are likely to be spared initially due to regulatory broadband obligations. Some of these reductions may come through voluntary buyouts or early retirements, but the merger will still represent one of the largest workforce adjustments in recent Verizon history.

The software company is laying off about 10% of its global workforce following its $2.5 billion acquisition by Advent. The cuts in Israel will be relatively modest, around 5%, while layoffs in India and the US will reach about 10% of employees.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bybo6fzbbl

Comerica confirmed it will cut 184 jobs at its Frisco Star Tower site, according to a filing with the Texas Workforce Commission, following shareholder approval of its nearly $11 billion merger with Fifth Third. The company has not announced further layoffs in Dallas.

https://www.keranews.org/business-economy/2026-01-09/comerica-bank-lay-offs-frisco-fifth-third-merger

If it hits $360, that means it's time to exit my position.

https://www.barrons.com/articles/ibm-stock-price-top-pick-2026-35af20b3

By: Mackenzie Tatananni
Updated Jan 08, 2026, 2:59 pm EST / Original Jan 08, 2026, 2:15 pm EST

Skeptics may argue that International Business Machines has lost the clout it had decades ago, but one analyst is doubling down on his bullish bet on the stock heading into the new year.

Much of the negative noise surrounding IBM appears to be unfounded, according to Oppenheimer analyst Param Singh, who has chosen IBM as one of his top picks for 2026. He rates the stock at Outperform with a $360 price target.

IBM stock was 2.1% higher at $303.04 on Thursday as the Nasdaq Composite traded in the red. Singh’s price target suggests the stock can rise another 19%.

Attitudes on the stock are indubitably mixed. Of 22 analysts polled by FactSet, 11 rate IBM at Buy, while seven rate it at Hold, and four at Sell. So why the vote of confidence?

“Bears have the estimates wrong, making expectations low into the print,” Singh said, referring to IBM’s fourth-quarter earnings report due later this month. He believes IBM can deliver durable growth by consistently raising prices, and described its portfolio of software as “sticky,” meaning clients repeatedly return to the products even though alternatives exist.

IBM has been winning bigger contracts because it has more products and services to offer, largely driven by acquisitions and the rollout of new mainframe computers. Last year, it paid $6.4 billion for HashiCorp, a provider of infrastructure and security tools, and has had early success integrating those offerings into its portfolio.

Taken together, these factors could boost overall revenue by 6% and software revenue by 9% in 2026, Singh said. His call for revenue growth is double the consensus forecast on Wall Street and nearly double the call for growth in software revenue.

“We believe IBM will positively surprise the bears on its earnings through the year, driving upside to the stock,” Singh said.

That comes after a decent run in 2025, a year dominated by the conversation around artificial intelligence. Shares rose 35% last year, behind a 39% gain for AI heavyweight Nvidia but ahead of a 20% gain for the Nasdaq.

There already are signs 2026 will be a good year. Despite recent chatter, Oppenheimer’s checks show little to no customer attrition, even as IBM passes along a 6% price hike to customers renewing enterprise license agreements.

And then there is IBM’s consulting division, which has become a significant contributor to revenue. Singh and the Oppenheimer team see little evidence of a pullback on spending, although software is expected to continue to grow more rapidly

Software revenue is expected to achieve sustained, double-digit percentage growth as opposed to “low-single-digits” for IBM’s consulting arm, Oppenheimer said.

Barron’s wrote favorably on IBM for a different reason in December: the company’s burgeoning quantum-computing division. Big Blue was an early entrant in the space, and aims to release a fault-tolerant quantum supercomputer by the end of the decade. That would be an industry first.

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/cisco-csco-unlikely-pursue-axonius-231333205.html?guccounter=1

TD Cowen also noted that names like SentinelOne, Varonis, and Tenable could attract interest from strategic and financial sponsors.

Once again I am seeing rumors we are buying Diamondback. Any truth to this rumor?

Workers at Hayden Beverage say layoffs are rolling out after the company was acquired by Summit Beverage, catching many employees by surprise. One employee confirmed receiving a one-month severance package and said their last day is set for Feb. 8. Employees described the layoffs as unexpected, adding that the company had generally been fair to staff before the acquisition.

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/layoffs-underway-at-hayden-beverage-employees-say-last-day-is-feb-8

Comerica’s CEO framed the merger as a move toward innovation and growth, but the deal is also expected to bring layoffs. The bank has not disclosed how many Michigan workers could be affected, saying it is focused on creating a stronger, more competitive organization.

https://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/layoffs-likely-as-shareholders-approve-fifth-third-acquisition-of-comerica/

Layoffs are underway at Hayden Beverage, a beverage distributor with locations across Idaho and Montana, according to employees who spoke anonymously. One worker said they received a one-month severance package and were told their last day would be Feb. 8. Employees described the news as unexpected, noting the company had generally treated them well. Another employee said the layoffs come after Hayden Beverage was acquired by Summit Beverage, a purchase later confirmed by a company official.

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/layoffs-underway-at-hayden-beverage-employees-say-last-day-is-feb-8

Shareholders seek legal advice on the fairness of bd deal to their stock.merger shifted out to July.batra trying to go it alone is going to backfire on a disastrous merger.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/paramount-skydance-response-warner-bros-discovery-offer-1236625973/

LNP | LancasterOnline is just one day away from a new chapter in the history of the 232-year-old newspaper.

On Thursday, the news operation will transfer from its current owner Pennon, to the nonprofit Always Lancaster, which is led by David Greene, a former NPR journalist.

But, on Wednesday, the newspaper reported that 11 of its 107 employees (about 10%), including five members of the newsroom, were laid off on Tuesday.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/lancaster-county-newspaper-to-change-hands-after-more-layoffs/ar-AA1TLKtg

https://news.sky.com/story/tpg-closes-in-on-1bn-plus-deal-for-gp-patient-records-system-supplier-13491127

TPG closes in on £1bn-plus deal for GP patient records system supplier
The buyout firm is close to buying Optum UK, which supplies the systems used by NHS doctors to manage patient records, from US giant UnitedHealth, Sky News learns.

Optum purchased a large home health group plenty of positions posted.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjxge1de11l

Is anyone working on this project at a corporate level? Accounting was told the timeframe is 12-18 months, can anyone comment that’s in the know?

Do you think Intel could jump into the memory business with the new gubmint sponsored fabs and help out so the PC environment doesn't hit the skids?

Elluott

https://www.nerdoutonbusiness.com/p/will-enterprise-software-stay-sticky-in-an-ai-world

OpenText is a useful case study for this question. The company runs on long-term contracts and deep switching costs, but AI is making it easier for companies to build internal tools.

The business is built on recurring revenue, with ~81% of FY2025 revenue coming from cloud subscriptions and customer support contracts.

Will their 94% renewal rate hold up?

I think the answer is no. Customers are constantly upgrading and given all of OpenText’s products are long in the tooth and the AI tools are unproven (without customer references) renewal rates will go down and the focus will be on organic growth which is an impossible task given the lack of innovation.

If the SMB unit is sold, the SMB Renewal Teams: Likely transferred to the buyer. These teams are high-volume and automated, making them an attractive "turnkey" operations piece for a Private Equity firm.
• Legacy Enterprise Renewals: Would remain at OpenText but continue to face the AI-driven workforce reductions.

If the "20% divestiture" goal is met by selling the SMB unit, these are the rumored frontrunners:
• Thoma Bravo: Rumored to be looking at Carbonite to fold into their ConnectWise or Sophos portfolios.
• Kaseya: Known for aggressive acquisitions in the MSP space, they are frequently mentioned as a potential home for Webroot's threat intelligence data.
• Gen Digital (Norton/LifeLock/Avast): Since OpenText has refocused Webroot on "Digital Life Protection" for families, it has become a "strategic fit" for Gen's consumer-focused empire.

In regards to a new CEO The board is looking for an "Operator" rather than a "Visionary Dealmaker." They want someone who can make the remaining "Core" business highly profitable after the non-core units (like SMB) are potentially sold off.

However this “Operator” will be in charge of getting all of OpenText remaining core acquired by a big tech company that can do something with the IP.

Employees describe shock, demotions, and a rapid overhaul following Advent’s $2.5 billion takeover.

“Sapiens was a very family-friendly and pleasant company for many years. CEO Roni Al-Dor was a people person. Employees went through fire and water with him, which is why everyone is so surprised now, and deeply hurt,” says one employee.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1illfbebg

We won't know if the guppy will lay eggs and populate the tank until 2027.

There is a chance the guppy will bring in its bigger brother, the whale.

Even if it works out, let's see if the higher US production costs scare away the whale.

Don't sc--w it up!

Or is this just a political donation?

https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/intel-moves-closer-to-building-apples-entry-level-m-series-chips-on-18a

TUPE a legal framework in the UK and Ireland that protects employees' rights when their business or part of a business is transferred to a new owner (like in a merger, acquisition, or outsourcing). It ensures employees automatically move to the new employer with their existing terms, conditions, and continuity of service, preventing dismissal just because of the transfer and maintaining their benefits.

Are they taking internal transfers or only series 7 from other RIA's? What's their new branding gonna be? "Telling clients the truth.......since 2021?"

That Cisco may sell entirely UCS product portfolio to Nvidia.

When does Xerox figure out that it has bought out too many organizations and splits things back up?

BP sold a majority stake of Castrol to private equity. Do you think we'll make a similar move with Mobil 1?

This has all of the signs of getting primed to find a buyer. Shed thousands upon thousands of highly compensated employees with 20+ years of tenure. No rhyme or reason to the ones chosen other than they are too costly to the bottom line. Not looking at the individual persons to see what value they bring to the organization; just treating them as nothing more than a line item on a spreadsheet. Welcome to the new Corporate America. Shareholders are the most important people; no longer the customer (internal or external).
Remember when they used to say "our employees are our greatest asset." Well, they don't say that anymore. They finally realized people are not assets, because they don't own them. People are free to take their talents elsewhere. You also don't layoff assets. People should never be treated like tangible objects.
After the 13K depart, try and make sense of a wounded and abandoned organization that's left with huge holes. Good luck to the ones that are left behind to clean up the mess. Try and pick up the pieces and keep your head above water until you can find the right buyer.
Your largest expense is employee payroll. Shed as much as you possibly can to attract the right buyer.
Just my two cents (pun intended).

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple and Nike Board of Directors member, just purchased 50,000 shares of Nike stock at the current price, costing him $2.9+ million.

https://www.gurufocus.com/news/4086202/nike-nke-director-tim-cook-acquires-295m-in-company-shares

Is this a vote of confidence in the company's future or a PR move?

Tim Cook has a reported net worth of $2.6 billion, so dropping a couple million on some Nike stock is spending couch cushion money for him.

About time. Business has been awful, strategy is non-existent, and products in the toilet. Sounds about right for someone to scoop up for $2B (overpriced)

Don’t know if anyone has seen the videos but there’s a big potential criminal case forming against PayPal and their subsidiary honey for multiple charges in more than 20+ class action lawsuits. Honey was acquired by PayPal in 2019/2020 for $4 billion when Schulman was still CEO. Investigative journalists have brought to light dirt on both sides primarily due to Honeys practices which now trickle under the PayPal umbrella/leadership.

Do you think this potentially is the reason some higher ups at PayPal are getting a free ticket out and coming here in case any action gets taken against PayPal? Does this question the new leadership at VZ?

https://www.hcltech.com/press-releases/hclsoftware-acquire-jaspersoft-cloud-software-group

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/oracles-larry-ellison-agrees-to-backstop-404-billion-in-financing-for-paramount-acquisition-of-warner-bros-145133265.html

Larry Ellison, the centibillionaire founder and executive chairman of Oracle (ORCL), agreed to personally backstop $40.4 billion in equity financing for Paramount's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros.

Diversification away from a stodgy old tech company to more influential properties is the order of the day.

Xerox and Lexmark Secure Majority of $385 Million of USGPO Contracts in 2025. (Google this)

Intel has finally realized it’s no longer strong in innovation. Launching a new node by effectively poaching technology through equipment vendors is a step toward eventually selling the company to TSMC.

Anyone have any inside scoop? It does impact long term employees.

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1288847/000128884725000177/fivn-20250729.htm

Now sale will only need to be approved by a implement majority, not 2/3rds that doomed Zoom’s $15B takeover bid

Removal of Supermajority Vote Threshold
Since its initial public offering, the Company has maintained a voting threshold in its Certificate of Incorporation of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) in voting power of the stock of the Company for (i) amendments, alternations, changes or repeals, or adopting provisions inconsistent with, certain sections of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, and (ii) amendments, alterations, changes or repeals of the Company’s Bylaws (the “Supermajority Vote Threshold”). While the Board believes that the Company’s stockholders have benefited from having the Supermajority Vote Threshold, the Board determined on July 29, 2025 that it is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to remove the Supermajority Vote Threshold.
The Board intends to approve and recommend to the Company’s stockholders at the 2026 Annual Meeting an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to replace the Supermajority Vote Threshold with a majority vote threshold, effective at the conclusion of the 2027 Annual Meeting.

Layoff notices are being issued to Cadence Bank staff. The job reductions stem from Huntington Bank's recent acquisition. Huntington Bank described the cuts as part of a merger integration. Huntington pledged to maintain operations in Tupelo, Mississippi. More job reductions are anticipated, though Huntington aims to restore positions by 2028.

https://www.djournal.com/news/business/cadence-bank-layoffs-begin-company-maintains-it-is-committed-to-tupelo/article_05b780fe-6373-4bb7-a31e-c9da3b8be5f3.html

They haven't found a way to profit off of AI yet, given the costs. And it's a massive risk.
Remember blockchain, NFTs, and the Metaverse / VR? All giant fails.
Now, LLMs have obviously more practical / actual use cases. But they have plenty of flaws and it's not guaranteed those can all be addressed and it can be converted into a profitable, effective product.

The company just announced selling the telco business to HCLTech. I would be jumping ship. If the company is politely saying that they don’t want this business anymore, then you might be worse off than at HCLTech.