HP buys Poly, formerly Plantronics
HP is paying $ 3.3 billion for Poly with the purpose of boosting its offering for a hybrid work environment, in which headphones and video conferencing devices are undoubtedly important. The deal is anticipated to close by the end of the year, and it is unclear if Poly will continue to function as an independent brand or "drown" in HP's offering.
Audio systems and video conferencing equipment
Poly, for those who are unaware, is the replacement for the renowned and well-known Plantronics brand. After rebranding, the company shifted its attention to commercial audio equipment such as meeting rooms and video conferencing cameras. Because those headphones are primarily intended for work from home, only a few devices exist in the category that may be called for home users.
Plantronics, by the way, was one of the first firms to develop Bluetooth headphones and has since established itself as one of the top brands for hands-free driving headphones. However, in the sector of traditional headphones, they were unable to establish themselves as a viable competitor to businesses such as Apple, Sony, and Bose. Plantronics purchased Polycom in 2018 and launched a new brand, Poly.
Surprisingly, Plantronics and Logitech discussed a prospective merger the same year. This (obviously) did not occur, but it was clear that the firm was looking for a partner, thus HP's move may be viewed as successful completion of that search, even if it meant Poly ultimately losing its independence and closing the brand.
Judge approves $18 million settlement in Activision Blizzard discrimination lawsuit
After a judge approved the company's $18 million settlement offer this week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will settle with Activision Blizzard. The settlement will allow all current and former Activision Blizzard workers (from September 2016 to the present) to file a claim for workplace harassment or discrimination. Claims that are determined to be eligible will receive a portion of the settlement funds.
The EEOC has agreed to the second largest settlement in its history, but some say it is too cheap. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is concerned that this settlement will affect its own litigation against Activision Blizzard. According to VGC, DFEH is becoming increasingly aggressive in its requests for compensation in order to settle the case.
The DFEH VS Activision Blizzard lawsuit is currently slated for trial in February 2023, if no settlement agreement is made before then. Given that Activision Blizzard is in the process of being acquired by Microsoft, the company will be eager to resolve any outstanding legal issues before ownership changes hands.
