Workday shares jumped as much as ~30% intraday on Thursday, triggering multiple
temporary trading halts, after reports that Silver Lake is in acquisition talks;
sources say discussions have been ongoing. The rally pushed Workday’s market
value above $50.0 bln. The stock had been under longer-term pressure on worries
that AI will reshape the software sector; a successful buyout would signal
renewed private-capital interest in software assets. Jefferies analyst Til said
CEO Aneel Bhusri’s close ties to Silver Lake make a deal plausible. Workday beat
estimates in its May quarter, raised guidance, and said AI trends are producing
tangible benefits.