Why? There's nothing inherently bad about acquisitions

In fact, strong (~free) capital markets in which acquisitions happen frequently allow for more efficient (~optimal) allocation of resources over the long run, even if any single acquisition may not be locally optimal

> In fact, strong (~free) capital markets in which acquisitions happen frequently allow for more efficient (~optimal) allocation of resources

I argue that's an opinion.

I also argue that allowing for does not mean ensures.

I also argue that, in practice, acquisitions happening freely typically result in "more efficient" allocation of humans to the detriment of those humans. Also, "more efficient" allocation of resources often increases the cost of those resources to other humans consuming those resources.

So yes, it's a valid opinion but in practice the stated results are infrequently achieved and come with significant costs that aren't accounted for in a purely free market situation.

With what reasoning?

They kill competition by bundling stuff together and increasing the price.

What's the value to society of having large companies get larger?

IBM is clearly running on fumes by now. Extending its life by pulling down more small companies with them only makes things worse for everyone.

If society doesn't value what IBM produces then they'll go out of business. There are many factors to optimal organization size, and there are different ways of handling acquisitions that can preserve the acquired organization to varying extents. I work for an org that got acquired by IBM and my job (and org) has been remarkably unaffected. Just different folks enjoying the profits.

Like all things, there is much more nuance than "big corporation bad."

What's the value to society of large companies not getting larger? What is even the relevance? Does everything have to be judged in terms of its value to society, and if so, why? Should we talk about your value to society?

You're arguing for a draconian regulatory response (it sounds like) to what should be a market issue.