For companies making the monumental move to merge or sell, there is much to mull over. Preparing for such a merger or acquisition requires an intentional process of analysis and a nuanced sort of matchmaking. Is there a cultural match? A shared set of values and goals? Potential for expansion and increased resources? The marriage metaphor is well-trodden for a reason — a successful merger makes a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, and involves compromise on both sides. In this week’s feature, award-winning writer Steven Yoder explores all sides of the deal, for better or worse.

Here’s the latest Capital Region Rundown:

The president of a local language translation service company presents the benefits of increasing language access for both customers and employees; merger mania rolls on as more investors and firms are looking for businesses to snap up; a Davis-based startup creates an app to help parents find child care via other parents in their area; Comstock’s wins 20 California Journalism Awards including five first-place wins; and the UC Davis Big Bang! Competition showcases numerous inventions like cutting edge medical devices and healthy boba milk tea.

Recommendations from our editors:

In this section we editors share what we’re reading, listening to, watching or even eating. Here’s what we’re consuming this week:

Vanessa:  Last week I imbibed at the stylish new bar Butterscotch Den, which took over the former space of Arthur Henry’s Supper Club in Oak Park. I was happy to see the space kept the dark, moody feel, but almost everything else was refreshed — new wallpaper, booths, menu, even a grand piano. They also kept the grill in the center of the room, where folks can gather to grill their own meat, veggies or garlic bread. The watering hole is a fun balance of fresh, retro and sexy. 10/10!

Judy: I had a fun, festive night at the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera listening to their “Superhero Soundtrack,” scores from superhero movies including music from such composers as John Williams, Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer. One orchestra member revealed a Superman shirt under his white shirt and black blazer and three female musicians wore Wonder Woman crowns. The philharmonic is a Sacramento gem so please check them out when their new season begins in October. 

Jennifer: I just finished reading Haruki Murakami’s “Wild Sheep Chase” and decided it should be the first Murakami novel everyone reads (though I’ve read several, and disliked some, previously). It’s Murakami at his loopy best, but it’s also a captivating mystery that delves obliquely into Japan’s fraught 20th-century history. 

Odds and ends

As a sponsor of the California Capital Documentary Film Festival kicking off later this week, we have a promo code to share! We’re extending 50% off to our readers using the code COMS2022 at checkout.

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