Ann: HGST Renews for 9th Consecutive Year, page-34

Winding back the number of employees makes sense on a number of levels.

The work is essentially done - it's in the hands of IMEC and it keeps the costs low.

Any potential acquirer doesn't have a heap of legacy employees to worry about.

If 4DS does go off on the licensing route (2nd preferred option after outright sale) the composition of employees required to keep the business going changes as well.

Everyone assumes that 4DS will be bought out via a takeover offer. Maybe we'll see the acquirer(s) just buy the IP off 4DS, with the proceeds distributed back to shareholders before delisting. The company shell could end up being used to list another tech company.