designer491 M&A activity remained strong in the first week of October, with several deals being announced across sectors. Companies that grabbed attention include AT&T (NYSE:T), Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM), Ovintiv (OVV) and Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI). In tech, Telecom operator AT&T (T) has agreed to sell its remaining 70% stake in DirecTV to private equity partner TPG (NASDAQ:TPG), which holds the minority interest, for around $7.6 billion in cash payments through 2029. TPG-owned DirecTV is set to acquire EchoStar's (NASDAQ:SATS) video distribution business, including DISH TV and Sling TV, in exchange for a nominal consideration of $1 plus the assumption of Dish DBS net debt. Qualcomm (QCOM) has finalized its deal to acquire Sequans Communications' (NYSE:SQNS) 4G Internet of Things technologies. Barnes Group (NYSE:B) rose 8% after a report that private equity shop Apollo Global (NYSE:APO) is in talks to acquire the maker of aerospace components for about $2 billion. Blue Owl Capital (NYSE:OWL) is reportedly in negotiations to acquire IPI Partners, a company that invests in data centers and other digital infrastructure, for ~$1 billion. Mastercard (NYSE:MA) has agreed to buy Minna Technologies, a Swedish software company that simplifies online subscription management for consumers, for an undisclosed price. Fiber network owner Zayo Group and private equity firm TPG (TPG) are competing to purchase fiber and wireless assets of Crown Castle (CCI) in a deal that may be valued at about $10 billion. Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF) is buying the commercial operations of First Nationwide Title Agency, a division of AMT Commercial Title Services. Marsh McLennan (NYSE:MMC) to acquire McGriff Insurance Services for $7.75 billion in cash.