Top Baltimore tech deals of 2014 [Links Roundup]

Oracle’s $5.3B deal for Micros Systems was Baltimore’s top tech acquisition of 2014 [Baltimore Business Journal]: “Mergers and acquisitions are commonplace for technology companies and startups. Technology is a constantly evolving business and pairing up with a like-minded company or a competitor can ensure growth in the future. These deals are often a payout for the company’s leadership and investors, but as Micros’ acquisition shows, it can also mean great things for the local economy, too.”
Baltimore wants downtown parking lots developed [The Daily Record]: “In the last year, plans for two major developments on surface parking lots in downtown Baltimore were announced, and development officials and city leaders want to see that trend continue in the coming year. Earlier this month, plans to build a hotel at 300 E. Pratt St. — a parking lot since the demolition site of the old News American newspaper building — were presented to a city design panel. This spring, developer Questar announced intentions to build a 44-story apartment tower at 414 Light St. on a parking lot where a McCormick & Co. factory once stood.”
These Baltimore-area public companies disappeared from stock tickers in 2014 [Baltimore Business Journal]: “You won’t see the likes of Jos. A. Bank or Micros Systems Inc. trading after other large public companies acquired them. Nor will you see Municipal Mortgage & Equity LLC — but for a different reason. It went through a name change as it revamps its business model.”