Jason Calacanis CNBC Squawk Alley 10/19: Salesforce M&A leak, Apple macs 10/27, Amazon GarthBrooks | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Salesforce considered several takeover targets, but Twitter was not on the list.

Key Insights

• 👂 Salesforce had a list of potential takeover targets, excluding Twitter.
• 🈷️ The focus is on acquiring monthly SaaS companies that align with Salesforce's strategy.
• ❓ The ability to offer flexible payment options revolutionizes how software is purchased.
• 🤝 The relationship between Salesforce and Adobe may not result in a deal due to Adobe's size.
• 🤘 Gu Brooks signing an exclusive deal with Amazon Music Unlimited shows Amazon's seriousness in the music industry.
• 🌥️ Although music is becoming commoditized, Amazon seeks to gain a larger share of the market.
• 🌎 Gu Brooks appeals to a Middle America audience that can contribute to Amazon's growth.

Transcript

sales force had considered 14 possible takeover targets back in May that's according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal the list of targets does not include Twitter was part of a presentation emailed to current Salesforce board member and former Secretary of State colen Powell self-described activist group DC leaks took credit for lea... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Was Salesforce ever interested in acquiring Twitter?

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff mentioned Twitter during a conference, but it was not considered a serious acquisition target. It is unclear if Twitter was ever on their radar.

Q: Which companies were considered as potential targets for Salesforce?

Some of the potential takeover targets on Salesforce's list included Box, Demandware, Zendesk, and HubSpot. These companies align with Salesforce's focus on monthly SaaS enterprise software.

Q: What is Salesforce's strategy for acquisitions?

Salesforce aims to revolutionize software purchasing by offering monthly payment options instead of upfront costs. This approach allows consumers to pay for software that they actually use and can cancel at any time.

Q: How does the relationship between Salesforce and Adobe impact potential deals?

While Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen are friends, it is unlikely that Salesforce would pursue a deal with Adobe due to its size. Adobe is a large company that may not be suitable for Salesforce's acquisition strategy.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Salesforce had a list of 14 potential takeover targets, but Twitter was not included.

• CEO Marc Benioff discussed the possibility of acquiring Twitter, but it was not considered a serious target.

• Salesforce is focused on acquiring monthly software as a service (SaaS) companies that align with their strategy.

• The company aims to revolutionize software purchasing by offering flexible payment options.