M&A Activity in Financials - M&A activity for financials has seen virtually no conversation for 5 years due to regulatory uncertainty [7] - Increased enthusiasm and discussions are occurring behind the scenes regarding potential deals [8] - The firm completed 20 deals totaling approximately $15 billion, indicating a substantial increase of 30-40% in activity [9] - Technology, especially AI, is driving M&A as companies seek to stay competitive [9] - Stock deals are viewed as an opportunity to acquire companies at a discount, emphasizing the importance of finding undervalued targets [10] Golf Industry & PGA Tour - The speaker resigned from the PGA Tour, feeling superfluous, and suggests a deal should have been reached before the British Open in 2023 [12] - No progress has been made since the resignation, but the PGA Tour is currently in good shape [14] Other Engagements - The speaker is involved with Troun Golf, bringing a different perspective to the company [15] - The speaker serves on the AIG board and the Chime board (which went public) [15][16]

Core Points - Fortinet has entered a multiyear partnership with the LPGA Tour to become the title sponsor of the Founders Cup, with the 2026 event scheduled for March 19-22 and a purse of $3 million, an increase from $2 million in 2025 [1] - The partnership aims to honor the 13 women who founded the LPGA and to promote women's golf, leveraging Fortinet's strong ties to Northern California [2][3] - Fortinet, founded in Silicon Valley in 2000, is recognized as a leader in cybersecurity with the largest patent portfolio in the industry, including AI patents, and has over 890,000 lifetime customers [2][9] Company Overview - Fortinet is a cybersecurity company that focuses on the convergence of networking and security, providing a comprehensive portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products [9] - The company has been recognized as one of the most trusted cybersecurity firms in the U.S. and has received accolades across multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants [2][9] - Fortinet's commitment to innovation and customer service is reflected in its extensive patent portfolio and its leadership in various cybersecurity domains [2][9] Event Details - The Founders Cup will be held at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, which has undergone significant renovations and is known for its commitment to sustainability [4][10] - This event marks the 15th edition of the Founders Cup, celebrating the LPGA's founding members and showcasing top female golfers [5] - The LPGA Tour is the leading competitive platform for female golfers, hosting over 32 events annually with total prize funds exceeding $129 million [8]

The Masters is moving away from inviting PGA Tour fall winners and now will invite the winners of six national opens around the world (via AP) https://t.co/ULhHXYWOzu ...

Exclusive: The PGA Tour has unveiled a new committee led by Tiger Woods to modernize the world’s premier golf circuit—with radical changes on the horizon https://t.co/mC56GWKwWt ...

Exclusive: The PGA Tour has unveiled a new committee led by Tiger Woods to modernize the world’s premier golf circuit—with radical changes on the horizon https://t.co/7jIDqzNq0G ...

RT Bloomberg Live (@BloombergLive).@PGA’s Derek Sprague joins Bloomberg #PowerPlayers in New York. Join us on 9/4 for a breakdown of what to expect at the upcoming Ryder Cup and what’s next for golf. https://t.co/vvYlp8iNTN https://t.co/OrbUjnSL55 ...

The World’s Highest-Paid Golfers 2025 https://t.co/fQwwwO9BaL https://t.co/fQwwwO9BaL ...

“I’d rather be a great father than a great golfer.”- Scottie Scheffler, the number 1 golfer in the world https://t.co/JbgDWOwycZ ...

The World’s Highest-Paid Golfers 2025 https://t.co/YlaV51u0fI https://t.co/YlaV51u0fI ...

In Scotland, golf has traditionally been more accessible than in the US or England. But its economics are being severely tested by rich Americans https://t.co/3NFeQk70hX ...