Nuance jumps 31% on news Microsoft will acquire the AI software maker for $19.7 billion

Nuance Communications shares shot up 30% early Monday on reports ahead of Microsofts announcement of a $19.7 billion buyout deal. Microsoft plans to buy the speech-recognition software maker for $56 a share and the deal will include Nuance's net debt. Nuance shares were halted ahead of Monday's regular trading session.