Mergers and Acquisitions

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Palantir Technologies, the $9 billion data startup that aids government agencies, went on an acquisition spree this week. The company purchased social analytics startup, Poptip, as well as app-making startup, Propeller.

In an effort to improve its map service, Apple has acquired Spotsetter, according to a report from TechCrunch.

Hewlett-Packard says its upcoming spinoff of its technology divisions focused on software, consulting and data analysis will eliminate up to 30,000 jobs.

Yahoo has made a $250 million bid for YouTube content creator, Fullscreen, Sky News reports.

The Obama Administration lowered the boom this week on those companies seeking to relocate outside of the U.S.  in order to avoid or lessen a hefty tax bill.

Justice Department sues to stop Halliburton from merging with Baker Hughes, a deal that would combine the No. 2 and No. 3 oil services companies. Halliburton said it would 'vigorously contest' the lawsuit.

The Justice Department is preparing to file a lawsuit to block a proposed merger between Halliburton Co. and Baker Hughes Inc., the most recent sign that a takeover boom is meeting resistance from U.S. regulators and antitrust enforcers.

U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and Ireland-based Allergan formally announced the scrapping of their $160 billion merger on Wednesday, in a big win for President Barack Obama who has been pushing to curb tax-slashing "inversion" deals.

The Justice Department is preparing to file a lawsuit to block a proposed merger between Halliburton and Baker Hughes, the most recent sign that a takeover boom is meeting resistance from U.S. regulators and antitrust enforcers.

On Monday, Seattle-based airline Alaska Air announced that it will buy rival Virgin America for $2.6 billion.

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Source: Halliburton website.

Virgin America is in play and JetBlue may be a possible suitor.