Benzinga's Weekend M&A Chatter

The following are the M&A deals, rumors and chatter circulating on Wall Street for Friday October 2 through Sunday October 4, 2015:

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Apple

has acquired artificial-intelligence startup VocalIQ. Terms were not disclosed. The VocalIQ software allows users the ability to talk more naturally with smart devices. Apple closed at $110.38 on Friday, a gain $0.80.

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Microsoft

has acquired provider of 3D physics, Havok, from Intel

. Terms were not disclosed. Microsoft closed at $45.57 Friday, up 2%.

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Shares of Whole Foods Market, Inc.

rose Friday, on unconfirmed market chatter regarding private equity interest. Whole Foods Market has reportedly hired JP Morgan Chase & Co. as an advisor to assist in a potential sale. "Sources" are mentioning a takeover at $46.50 per share or around $16 billion deal. Whole Foods is the subject of frequent takeover chatter, with privately-held Publix being mentioned most often as the possible suitor. The company did not respond to a request for comment. Whole Foods closed at $33.92 Friday, a gain of 8.5%.

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Juniper Networks, Inc.

is said to have hired Goldman Sachs as an advisor to assist it in handling offers to take the company private for $32 per share, according to unconfirmed market chatter on Friday. Shareholder Elliott Management, which now owns a 4.5% stake, is said to be in agreement with the plan. Elliott Management and Juniper did not respond to requests for comment. Juniper Networks closed at $27.17 on Friday, a gain of 4.34%.