Acquisition

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, a firm specializing in AI-powered interfaces for macOS. The deal, terms undisclosed, brings all 12 Software Applications employees to OpenAI. Their flagship product, Sky, uses natural language processing to enhance Mac user interaction across various tasks. This move aims to integrate AI directly into everyday tools, aligning with OpenAI’s vision to seamlessly embed AI capabilities within existing workflows. This follows previous OpenAI acquisitions like Statsig and io, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to expanding AI development.

CoreWeave’s CEO downplays the necessity of acquiring Core Scientific amidst shareholder opposition. ISS recommends voting against the deal, citing potential undervaluation. While CoreWeave won’t raise its offer, viewing the acquisition as a “nice to have”, not a “need to have”. A major Core Scientific shareholder also opposes the deal. The vote is scheduled for October 30. CoreWeave’s expansion through AI-related acquisitions aims to diversify service offerings beyond GPU power, capitalizing on the AI boom.

United States Antimony Corporation (USAC) proposed acquiring Larvotto Resources via a scheme of arrangement, offering 6 USAC shares per 100 Larvotto shares. USAC also disclosed a ~10% ownership stake in Larvotto. The non-binding proposal is subject to Larvotto shareholder and regulatory approvals. The combination aims to scale antimony and critical minerals production outside China. While the proposal is an actionable takeover attempt, completion is conditional on a binding agreement, approvals, and successful integration.

HPE shares fell 8% premarket after FY26 guidance disappointed, projecting adjusted EPS of $2.20-$2.40 versus the $2.40 consensus. Revenue growth is expected between 5%-10%, below the anticipated 17%. CEO Neri cited the Juniper Networks acquisition integration timeline, aiming for transparency. HPE focuses on networking through the Juniper acquisition and AI capabilities, targeting government and enterprise clients. The board approved an additional $3B in share buybacks, signaling confidence. A 5% workforce reduction was announced earlier. Analysts are monitoring Juniper integration and AI revenue growth.

Nvidia, Microsoft, BlackRock, and xAI are set to acquire Aligned Data Centers for $40 billion, the largest data center deal to date. This acquisition, led by the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), signals a surge in investment into the physical infrastructure required to support accelerating adoption of AI. Aligned, a design and operator of data centers, currently owned by Macquarie Asset Management, has 50 campuses with over 5 gigawatts of power capacity, making it an ideal initial investment for the AIP. The deal is expected to close late next year.

Nu E Power Corp (NUEPF) has completed its acquisition of Blu Dot Systems, issuing 29.5 million Nu E shares in exchange for 100% ownership. The issued shares are subject to a 4-month resale restriction, and the deal awaits final CSE approval. A director/officer of Nu E, who also held Blu Dot shares, received 3,869,140 Nu E shares, classifying the transaction as related-party, though exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval applied. This acquisition aims to enhance Nu E’s resources in the renewable energy sector.

FIS announced a slight delay in its acquisition of Global Payments’ Issuer Solutions business due to a refiling of the UK Merger Notice with the CMA. FIS proactively identified supplementary information needed for the CMA’s review. Despite this procedural hurdle, FIS maintains its expectation that the transaction will close in the first half of 2026. Analysts are watching closely to see if the CMA’s inquiry signals broader concerns about consolidation in the fintech space and potential impacts on competition.

Intellabridge (KASH) has signed a non-binding LOI to acquire 70% of Spark Plug Chargers, an EV infrastructure developer, via a new U.S. subsidiary. The deal, pending due diligence, definitive agreements, and Spark Plug’s seed financing, would be paid with Intellabridge shares. Key Spark Plug personnel are expected to stay. Intellabridge aims to integrate its technology with Spark Plug’s platform, expanding into the EV sector. The LOI is subject to approvals, and final terms will be detailed in definitive agreements.

SoftBank Group will acquire ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion, abandoning ABB’s spin-off plan. SoftBank aims to fuse AI and robotics, driving a new era of “Physical AI.” The acquisition strengthens SoftBank’s AI portfolio, including Arm and OpenAI, and expands its robotics capabilities alongside investments like AutoStore and Agile Robots. ABB will use the proceeds from the sale to invest in its electrification and automation businesses. The deal is seen as beneficial for both companies.

Qualcomm is acquiring Arduino to strengthen its position in the robotics market. This acquisition aims to provide Qualcomm with access to grassroots innovators and establish its chips as the preferred solution for robotics development, fostering brand loyalty from prototype to commercialization. The deal is part of Qualcomm’s strategy to diversify revenue beyond mobile chips and capitalize on the growing robotics sector, aligning with previous acquisitions like Foundries.io and Edge Impulse. The first collaborative product, Arduino Uno Q, features a Qualcomm Dragonwing processor capable of running Linux and Arduino software, enhancing computer vision capabilities. Qualcomm commits to maintaining Arduino’s existing ecosystem.