Tech Five: AVG shares surge off Avast acquisition

Shares of security firm AVG are soaring after revealing it will be acquired by competitor Avast Software. Meanwhile, Verizon rolls out its latest wireless plans.

Let's look at tech stocks to watch Thursday:

AVG. Shares jumped more than 31% in morning trading after Avast confirmed it will acquire the software company for $1.3 billion. The deal is expected to close this fall. "We are in a rapidly changing industry, and this acquisition gives us the breadth and technological depth to be the security provider of choice for our current and future customers," said Avast Software CEO Vince Steckler in a statement.

Microsoft. Chief operating officer Kevin Turner stepped down to accept a role as CEO of Citadel Securities. Turner worked with Microsoft for 11 years. "He built the sales force into the strategic asset it is today with incredible talent while at the same time more than doubling our revenue and driving customer satisfaction scores to the highest in company history," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in an email to employees.

Alphabet. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is investigating Google over claims of age discrimination. The probe was referenced in an age discrimination lawsuit filed by a systems engineer who interviewed for a job at Google but wasn't hired.

Verizon. The wireless giant is raising prices on its data plans, offering extra data per month and allowing customers to carry over their data to the next month. Increases range between $5 and $10.

Twitter. The social media service rolled out its Live platform for sports coverage, kicking off with live coverage of Wimbledon. The platform will also be available when Twitter begins streaming Thursday Night Football games as part of a partnership with the NFL.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.