A $32B Tech Acquisition Worth Commemorating
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, brought record-breaking news that Google is acquiring cloud security startup Wiz for a staggering $32 billion. This all-cash deal isn’t just another line in the tech history books – it’s Google’s largest acquisition ever (easily eclipsing its 2012 Motorola purchase) and the biggest cybersecurity acquisition in history. Such a landmark transaction represents years of innovation, negotiation, and collaboration between teams at Google, Wiz, and their advisors. Moments like this aren’t just business milestones; they’re deeply personal triumphs for everyone involved, from investment bankers and lawyers to the corporate executives who championed the deal.
In high-profile mergers and acquisitions (M&A), it’s become tradition to celebrate the closing of the deal with a custom award – often called a deal toy, financial tombstone, or deal lucite. After the intense effort to get a deal across the finish line, presenting the deal team and clients with a tangible memento is a meaningful way to mark the occasion. In this post, we’ll use the Google-Wiz acquisition as a case study to highlight the value of these custom deal toys and crystal awards for commemorating major M&A events. We’ll also explore how a partner like Award Maven collaborates with deal teams to design stunning, branded awards and keepsakes that capture the spirit of each transaction. From the basics of what deal toys are and why they matter to the exciting creative possibilities (and practical logistics like design proofs and drop-shipping), consider this your guide to making every big deal unforgettable.
What Are Deal Toys (Financial Tombstones) and Why Do They Matter?
Deal toys – also known as financial tombstones or M&A tombstones – are custom-made mementos that commemorate significant financial transactions. In the world of investment banking and corporate law, deal toys have a long-standing tradition dating back to the 1970s when bankers began immortalizing major deals with Lucite trophies. These pieces are typically presented at closing dinners or post-deal celebrations to everyone who played a key role: the clients, the bankers, the lawyers, and other advisors. Each award usually features the essential deal details – company names or logos, a brief description of the transaction, the deal value, and the closing date – often along with the logos of the financial institutions that advised on the deal. In many ways, a deal toy serves as both a celebration of a successful deal and a lasting reminder of all the hard work and collaboration involved.
So, why do deal toys matter so much in high-profile deals like Google-Wiz? For one, they are powerful recognition awards for the team. Completing a multi-billion dollar acquisition is a team effort that can stretch over months of due diligence, late-night negotiations, and problem-solving. Gifting a deal toy at closing is a tangible “thank you” that acknowledges each person’s contributions and dedication. Far from being trivial trinkets, these tombstones can boost morale and enhance team spirit after the completion of a high-stakes transaction. They become prized trophies on desks and shelves – visible symbols of achievement that team members can be proud of for years to come. In fact, many financial firms view deal toys as an integral part of their employee recognition culture, knowing that celebrating wins helps motivate and retain top talent.
There’s also an element of branding and legacy involved. A well-crafted deal toy often ends up on display in offices or conference rooms, where it serves as a conversation piece with clients and colleagues. It’s not uncommon for a CEO to keep an important tombstone on the mantle, or for a law firm partner to line their office with tombstones of deals they’ve closed. Each one tells a story. For the Google-Wiz deal, imagine years from now a newcomer spotting the trophy on a shelf – it immediately sparks a story about how Google integrated Wiz to strengthen cloud security (and how you were part of that landmark acquisition). In this way, deal toys also act as subtle marketing tools and relationship builders. They keep the names of the companies and advisors front-and-center in clients’ minds, reminding everyone of a successful partnership. The uniqueness of each deal toy – tailor-made for that specific deal – makes it far more meaningful than any generic award, and that uniqueness reflects the one-of-a-kind nature of the transaction.
Finally, let’s not forget tradition and industry culture. On Wall Street and beyond, deal toys have become an expected ritual when celebrating big deals. Over the decades, firms have even developed a friendly rivalry to “one-up” each other with the creativity of their tombstones. In an environment where deals are the lifeblood, these mementos serve as milestones in a company’s history – physical proof of growth, mergers, and strategic moves. In short, deal toys matter because people and relationships matter in deal-making. They capture the human element of M&A – the camaraderie, the late nights, the triumph of overcoming challenges together – in a beautiful keepsake that outlasts the closing celebration.
Materials and Customization: Crystal Awards, Deal Lucites, and More
One of the most exciting aspects of deal toys is how creative and customized they can be. Unlike off-the-shelf trophies, anything can be a deal toy when you partner with a skilled awards maker. The design often draws inspiration from the deal itself – the companies’ logos, their industry, or the story behind the transaction. To bring these ideas to life, Award Maven crafts deal toys in a wide range of materials and forms, from sleek modern lucites to elegant crystal awards.
Lucite deal toys (made of acrylic) are a classic choice. Lucite is a clear acrylic resin that can be molded or cut into almost any shape, or used as a solid block that encases printed graphics, logos, or even small objects. Traditional financial tombstones were often simple rectangles of clear lucite with a printed deal “tombstone” announcement embedded inside. Today’s designs go much further. Acrylic can be tinted with color, cut into custom silhouettes, or layered for 3D effects. For example, Award Maven’s Acrylic Numbers design is a playful concept where the trophy itself is shaped as large numerals – perfect for highlighting a deal’s headline number (imagine a bold “32” in Google’s signature colors to mark the $32B price tag!). Acrylic is versatile and cost-effective; it’s great for crisp logo embedding and even full-color printing on the surface.
Crystal awards take deal toys into the realm of high-end elegance. Crystal (often optical crystal) has a brilliant, jewel-like clarity and weight that exudes importance. These awards are typically hand-faceted, sculpted, or molded, then polished to perfection. The result is a stunning piece that catches the light and draws the eye. Many deal teams choose crystal awards when they want a more formal or prestigious look for an M&A tombstone. Crystal can be deep-etched or laser engraved with text and logos, color-filled for added pop, or even custom-cut into symbolic shapes. Award Maven’s collection of crystal deal toys includes pieces like the Celestial Crown or Crystal Summit – evocative names for designs that signify reaching the pinnacle of success. These kinds of awards offer a large canvas for engraving all the deal particulars and heartfelt messages of gratitude.
Other popular materials include glass, metal, and stone, as well as mixed-media designs. Art glass awards incorporate swirls of color and abstract forms – for instance, the Art Glass Triumph – Dichroic Earth piece mixes vibrant art glass with a solid base, making it a standout commemorative item. Metal accents (like stainless steel or brass) can add an industrial or modern tech feel – appropriate if the deal involves hardware or infrastructure. Some tombstones even feature miniature replicas (a tiny building for a real estate deal, a miniature product model for a tech acquisition, etc.). The key is that the award’s look and feel should resonate with the story of the deal. For the Google-Wiz case, because Wiz is a cloud security firm, one could envision a deal toy incorporating a cloud motif or a lock-and-key graphic signifying security, perhaps rendered in glass or 3D-etched inside a crystal block. The Google logo’s vibrant colors could be captured in translucent acrylic elements, while Wiz’s logo could be engraved in a contrasting frosted texture – the possibilities are endless when blending materials and design techniques.
Deal toys can be highly creative and themed to the transaction – for example, one commemorative trophy for a theme park acquisition featured a rollercoaster motif built into a lucite tombstone. This level of customization transforms the award into a piece of art that tells a story. Instead of a generic plaque, the deal toy itself becomes a conversation starter, encapsulating the deal’s unique narrative in its design. Such creative touches ensure the award isn’t just visually impressive, but also deeply meaningful to the recipients who understand the symbolism.
Not only do these customization options make each deal toy special, they also ensure that the award aligns with the companies’ branding and values. Corporate clients often want their logo and brand colors integrated tastefully into the design. Award Maven specializes in crafting awards that “resonate with your brand and values”– whether that means using a company’s signature color palette on an acrylic sculpture or etching a tagline into the base. Because the design process is fully collaborative, clients can suggest themes or elements (say, incorporating Google’s iconic multicolor “G” or Wiz’s name stylized in a certain way) and the Award Maven team will find a way to realize that vision. High-quality materials like optical crystal and premium lucite ensure the final piece feels as significant as the deal it represents, with the heft and finish of a true trophy.
Case Study Spotlight: A Custom Deal Toy for the Google–Wiz Deal
To illustrate how all these elements come together, let’s imagine the perfect deal toy designed for the Google–Wiz $32B acquisition. This fictional example showcases Award Maven’s capabilities in creating a stunning, branded M&A tombstone for a landmark deal.
Concept: Given the nature of Wiz’s business (cloud security) and Google’s ubiquitous presence, the concept could be “Securing the Cloud Together.” The award might take the shape of a stylized cloud figure, symbolizing the cloud computing industry that both companies are committed to. Within this crystal-clear cloud shape, one could see a laser-etched network pattern or a subtle padlock icon, representing cybersecurity. The top of the cloud could even have a small 3D-etched Google “G” logo and Wiz’s logo, appearing as if they are side by side in the sky – signifying the coming together of the two brands.
Materials & Design Details: We might choose optical crystal as the primary material for the cloud, for its clarity and brilliance. Award Maven’s designers could incorporate frosted engraving on the crystal to outline the cloud and security motifs, giving a nice contrast of textures (clear vs. frosted). The base of the award could be a solid piece of jet-black crystal or acrylic, providing a sleek foundation that makes the clear cloud pop visually. To add a dramatic touch, perhaps a band of Google’s familiar blue, red, yellow, and green colors is embedded as a ring around the crystal cloud – possibly achieved by infusing a thin acrylic colored layer or using UV printing on the underside of the crystal. This nod to Google’s branding adds vibrancy to the piece, while Wiz’s logo could be etched in a distinctive font and filled with a subtle metallic silver enamel (hinting at “security hardware” strength).
Engraving & Inscriptions: Front and center on the award (or perhaps on the crystal base) would be an etched inscription with all the key details: “Google LLC acquisition of Wiz, Inc. – $32,000,000,000 – March 2025.” Below that, a tagline like “Commemorating a landmark partnership in cloud security” could be added in smaller text. Because deal toys often include the advisor names/logos too, one side of the base could list the investment banks and law firms involved, each in their own font or logo style, etched or printed in a subtle way. Including these adds to the authenticity of the tombstone and recognizes the wider deal team. The other side of the base might feature a short personal message from Google’s executive team to Wiz’s founders, e.g. “Welcome to the team – together we’ll reach new heights!”, adding a warm, personal touch.
Special Features: To really make the Google-Wiz tombstone stand out, we could integrate technology into the award. One idea is a tiny LED light element inside the base that, when turned on, softly illuminates the crystal cloud from below. The light could alternate between Google’s four colors, creating a subtle color-changing effect through the crystal – a visual metaphor for the dynamic, “multicloud” future the two companies aim to build (a nice tie-in to Google’s strategy of keeping Wiz multicloud). Another idea is to include a removable crystal or acrylic puzzle piece representing something like a shield (for security); this piece could be magnetically attached to the main award, and when removed, it’s a standalone keepsake with an engraved note (perhaps gifted specifically to Wiz’s CEO as a personal mini-award). These kinds of creative flourishes show how far one can go beyond a basic plaque when designing a custom deal toy.
Packaging & Presentation: The fictional Google-Wiz award would be impressive on its own, but Award Maven would ensure the presentation is just as memorable. Each award might come in a premium custom box, perhaps navy blue or black, foil-stamped with the Google and Wiz logos on the lid. Inside, the award is nestled in form-fitted foam or velvet lining, with a printed insert card that might say “Thank you for your partnership – This award commemorates our journey together”. The unboxing experience is designed to “enhance the overall recipient experience”, as Award Maven notes – from the moment they open the box, the recipient should feel the care and thoughtfulness that went into it. Given that Google and Wiz teams are spread across different locations (California, New York, Israel, etc.), Award Maven could arrange drop-shipping so that each deal team member around the world receives their award directly at their office or home. Every package could even include a personalized note or certificate of authenticity for the award.
This example demonstrates the artistry and project management that goes into a top-tier deal toy. It’s not just a “souvenir” – it’s a bespoke award piece that blends art, engineering, and storytelling. From concept to creation, Award Maven’s role is to capture the essence of the deal (in this case, two tech companies uniting to secure the cloud) and turn it into a design that will forever evoke that achievement.
The Award Maven Difference: From Design to Delivery
Creating custom deal toys for a high-profile deal might sound like a daunting project—especially on tight timelines—but that’s where we truly shine. At Award Maven, we specialize in partnering with corporate clients and deal teams to make the process smooth, creative, and worry-free. Here’s how we collaborate with investment banks, law firms, and companies to deliver stunning, branded awards that commemorate milestones like the Google–Wiz acquisition:
- Personal Consultation & Ideation:
We begin every project with a collaborative consultation. Whether you call or email us, we’ll walk through the details of your deal and your vision for the award. We’ll ask about the transaction’s theme, any inside references or deal humor, branding guidelines, budget, and timing. With our experience across thousands of programs, we can suggest fresh, creative options that align with your goals and brand tone. - Tailored Design & Instant Proofing:
Once we align on direction, our design team brings your ideas to life. Thanks to our exclusive Proof Generator, you can create and view design proofs instantly—no waiting 48 hours for a designer to respond. Need to tweak a title or fix a name? You can make real-time edits yourself and approve the final design within minutes. This tool is especially valuable when you’re working with tight deadlines or large teams across time zones. - Quality Craftsmanship:
With your approval in hand, we begin crafting your awards using only premium materials—optical crystal, polished acrylic, metal accents, or layered glass—depending on the design. Every award is precision-engraved or UV-printed with a commitment to clarity, finish, and flawless detail. Our clients trust us to deliver museum-quality craftsmanship with every piece, whether it’s one award or one hundred. - End-to-End Logistics & Delivery:
We don’t stop at production. We manage all logistics from kitting and drop-shipping to branded packaging and on-time delivery. Whether you need awards shipped to one headquarters or individually mailed to dozens of recipients worldwide, we handle it seamlessly. Our team coordinates shipping timelines, provides tracking, and ensures each award arrives in perfect condition—ready to impress. - Long-Term Partnership & Support:
We stand by every piece we deliver. If something’s not right, we’ll make it right—fast. But beyond that, we aim to build long-term relationships with our clients. Many come back to us for multiple deals, quarterly awards, IPO celebrations, and retirement recognitions. We become your go-to partner for recognition and deal celebrations, helping your team mark every milestone with meaning.
Celebrating Success with Lasting Keepsakes
The $32B Google-Wiz acquisition will be remembered as a pivotal moment in tech and cybersecurity history. By creating a custom deal toy to commemorate the event, Google and its partners ensure that the achievement is remembered and celebrated not just in press releases and headlines, but on a personal, tangible level by everyone who contributed. A well-crafted crystal award or lucite tombstone is more than just a desk ornament – it’s a story encapsulated in art, a symbol of teamwork and triumph, and a piece of company lore that will spark pride for years to come.
For investment bankers, law firms, and corporate clients who regularly navigate the world of M&A, ordering deal toys is not just a routine task – it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to honor your team’s hard work, to thank clients for their trust, and to literally put your brand’s mark on a momentous occasion. In choosing a partner like Award Maven, you get the benefit of experience and creativity on your side. They understand the nuances of deal toys in the financial industry, from the importance of capturing deal details accurately to the desire to outshine the last tombstone with an even more impressive design. And they make it easy for you, handling everything from initial design proofs to drop-shipping with professionalism and responsiveness.
Whether it’s an IPO launch, a merger, a fundraising round, or a mega-acquisition like Google-Wiz, commemorating the milestone with a custom award transforms a transient deal into a permanent memory. Years later, that lucite or crystal on the shelf will remind its owner, “I was part of that success.” In an industry that moves at breakneck speed, deal toys provide a moment of reflection and pride – a pause to say “we did it, and here’s to what’s next.” So as you plan your next big deal (or your next several), consider how a bespoke deal toy, lucite tombstone, or crystal award can add that finishing touch of celebration.
In the end, the value of these awards is immeasurable: it’s in the smile of a partner receiving a surprise package with a gleaming trophy inside, or the conversation sparked when a client spots the award on your desk and recalls the win you achieved together. These are the moments Award Maven and its custom creations aim to foster. Your deals change industries – why not celebrate them in style?
Crystal awards provide a sleek canvas for commemorating deal details. The example above – a faceted crystal trophy – shows how engraved text and logos can be elegantly displayed on a clear award. For major transactions, a well-designed crystal tombstone stands as both a piece of art and a permanent record of the accomplishment. Its transparent brilliance symbolizes the clarity and significance of the deal, while the etched names and numbers ensure the story it represents is never forgotten. Investing in such a quality keepsake means the legacy of a deal like Google-Wiz will live on in boardrooms and offices, inspiring future successes.
Key Takeaway: High-profile deals deserve high-profile recognition. Custom deal toys, lucites, and crystal awards turn financial victories into lasting memorabilia. With Award Maven’s expert guidance – from concept design using their proof generator to final drop-shipped delivery in custom packaging – celebrating your next IPO, acquisition, or funding round can be as extraordinary as the achievement itself. Make your milestones tangible, and let every trophy tell the tale of success.