The Gores Group purchases Etrali Trading Services from France Telecom-Orange. The global investment firm, the Gores Group together with France Telecom-Orange, the worldwide telecommunications service provider, had announced the acquisition of Etrali Orange Business Services - Trading Solutions.

IBM announced acquisition of SoftLayer Technologies and the creation of a new division in the company for cloud-based services to its clients.

Salesforce purchases ExactTarget for US$2.5 billion. The largest maker of online sales management tools, Salesforce. com Inc, has announced it would purchase ExactTarget, the marketing software maker.

Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc. announced to buy Colonial Properties Trust for US$2.17 billion.

Continental Grain Co announced to finally end its long-term ownership with Smithfield to prevent further proxy battle.

Calpers is planning to sell its entire 4% stake in Carlyle that is valued at US$373.3 million. After 12 years of being managed by Carlyle Group LP, a private equity manager firm, the California Public Employees' Retirement System plans to sell its total 4% stake.

GM rejoins S&P 500 replacing H.J Heinz Co. H. J Heinz Co. will be replaced by General Motors Co. (GM) in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. This is after the trade closing on June 6.

Sprint overthrows US$3.40 bid per share of Dish to a US$4.40 bid per share for Clearwire. (Photo : Reuters)People passing by a Sprint store in NYC. Sprint Nextel Corp has urged Clearwire Corp to reject the offered bid made by Dish Network.

AIG, GE Capital and Prudential Financial confirm receipt of notification for regulatory oversight. (Photo : REUTERS)American International Group Inc, the insurer rescued by the U.

Steven A. Cohen is at the brink of cutting down a number of his staff after more investors are expected to pull out their money.