Meta, Boyd Gaming, Merck, Sandstorm Gold, Capgemini and More: Key Deals This Week

Meta Platforms acquired PlayAI, a startup focused on human-like voice generation. Boyd Gaming entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pala Interactive. Merck agreed to acquire OncoImmune, a biotech company developing a COVID-19 treatment. Sandstorm Gold acquired a portfolio of gold royalties from Yamana Gold. Capgemini acquired Altran, a French engineering firm. Other key deals this week include Travelex acquiring HiFX, and Facebook launching its own cryptocurrency, Libra.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) has acquired PlayAI, a startup specializing in human-like voice generation. The acquisition aligns with Meta's strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and follows its recent investments in AI infrastructure and talent acquisition [1].

PlayAI's technology, which includes natural voice solutions and a platform for easy voice creation, will be integrated into Meta's AI Characters, Meta AI, Wearables, and audio content creation projects. The entire PlayAI team is expected to join Meta next week, reporting to Johan Schalkwyk, who recently transitioned from Sesame AI Inc. [1].

The acquisition is part of Meta's broader initiative to prioritize AI, which includes significant investments in infrastructure and talent acquisition. Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has restructured the company's AI division, appointing Alexandr Wang, former Scale AI CEO, to lead the newly established Meta Superintelligence Labs [1].

Boyd Gaming (NYSE: BYD) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pala Interactive, a gaming company focused on esports and gaming content [3]. The financial terms of this acquisition have not been disclosed.

Merck (MRK) has agreed to acquire OncoImmune, a biotech company developing a COVID-19 treatment. The acquisition will allow Merck to diversify its revenues in light of the short-term expiry of Keytruda patents [4]. Jefferies has raised its target price for Merck shares from $138 to $141 following this announcement, maintaining a buy recommendation [4].

Sandstorm Gold (SAND) has acquired a portfolio of gold royalties from Yamana Gold, further expanding its royalty portfolio [3]. The financial terms of this deal have not been disclosed.

Capgemini (CAP) has acquired Altran, a French engineering firm, to bolster its engineering and technology services capabilities [3]. The financial terms of this acquisition have not been disclosed.

Travelex has acquired HiFX, a foreign exchange company, to expand its financial services offerings [3]. The financial terms of this acquisition have not been disclosed.

Facebook (FB) has launched its own cryptocurrency, Libra, to facilitate digital transactions and payments. The launch of Libra is part of Facebook's broader push into the financial services sector [3].

References:
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/13/meta-acquires-voice-startup-play-ai/
[2] https://www.indexbox.io/blog/meta-platforms-acquires-ai-startup-playai-to-enhance-voice-technology/
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4466969-key-deals-this-week-meta-boyd-gaming-merck-sandstorm-gold-capgemini-and-more?feed_item_type=news
[4] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MERCK-CO-INC-13611/news/Merck-Jefferies-raises-TP-after-Verona-acquisition-50491587/