Oracle Corp.'s string of acquisitions this year helped it grow its second-quarter revenue by 19 percent, but was also a factor in a slight decline in profit.

Lawson's Intentia purchase is delayed

Lawson Software Inc. and Intentia International AB are extending the expected closing date of their union to April 30, three months after the original target. Lawson in June agreed to buy the Swedish firm for US$480 million in stock. The companies didn't explain the delay last week, but Lawson had earlier said that converting Intentia's financial statements to meet U.S. accounting standards was taking longer than expected.

Bell South to cut 1,500 managers

BellSouth Corp. late last week said it plans to cut 1,500 management workers, or about 2.4 percent of its overall workforce. Most of those leaving are expected to accept voluntary severance packages. CEO Duane Ackerman said that BellSouth had worked hard to avoid the cuts, but many companies the size of BellSouth, including competitors, are already operating with less overhead and fewer management layers.