I work at GE since 2014, from what I know from here, in early 2016 GE approached slb several times and they discuss acquisition of software segment including their respective product line within SWT, these of campus meetings happend in london and houston.
GE was selective on what they wanted I believe they were more interested in artificial lift and pumps, reservoir simulation...and some key software in G&G.
They were not going to pay for legacy software and some business units.
Slb was disagree and was going to offer all segment, the SIS, not partial.
Investors pressure on transformation puts some development and marketing of small products on seize and looks like slb just waiting to retire these small products and hopping to shape cleaner and profitable segment to attract back potential buyers. Ofcouree SL isnt happy with size of sis and swt as these two segments have heavy population in framework and difficult to downsize without closing down less profitable products.
I have also heard GE is interested in some small simulation software companies and actively seeking to buy few of them.
Bumped from @OiOhCfX-kwb for good info.