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Of Mergers and Donuts

Friends,
This week marked the completion of CenturyLink’s acquisition of Level 3. This transaction combines my most recent former employers accounting for 17 years of my career. It gives Level 3 the opportunity to rid itself of the brackets in its logo (the universal symbol for negative financial results) and CenturyLink the opportunity to rid itself of Glen Post.  As the two companies work to integrate, they will have several considerations to make.
  • A name. If recent history is any indication, the name will likely be CenturyLink. Still, we in the peanut gallery like to contemplate the possibilities. Since a century is 100 years, why not combine the numbers in both companies’ names. How about we call the company 300 (100 x 3) --a valiant, yet doomed group of people.
  • Integration. Having unofficially coined the terms red and blue network when executives said we have to stop using the terms Level 3 and Global Crossing networks, I feel like the convention should be continued. Enter the red green show, sure to be good for a few laughs!
  • HQ Location. Given a choice between a highly talented labor pool with amazing weather and great lifestyle options and, well…. Monroe, I think the choice is obvious. Go Ducks Unlimited!!
I’m sure they have these and other challenges already figured-out and don’t care for my advice. So, I guess I’ll stand idly by and enjoy a donut. I’m sure there will be plenty of entertainment value to come. I brought a dozen, so you’re welcome to join me!

Happy Friday! 

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