Report: IBM to Pay $7 Billion for Sun
Over the last couple of weeks, talk of Sun has centered around who the company is selling itself to, and for how much. While IBM is more than likely the answer to the first question, today brings a tentative answer to that second question.
Rumors that IBM was set to acquire Sun were what kicked this whole thing off in the first place. After that, there was reports that Sun was shopped around Silicon Valley before arriving at IBM’s doorstep. Then there was news that Sun was realigning itself and letting go a ton of employees, leading a lot of folk to believe it was trimming itself of any fat in order to appear more appealing to potential buyers.
The New York Times today reports that IBM is set to fork out 7 billion for its longtime rival. According to the NYT, which cites people familiar with the discussions (and not authorized to speak publicly, oops), IBM is offering $9.50 a share, down from a bid of $10 a share. Sources said the new agreement would restrict IBM’s ability to walk away from the deal.
Shares of IBM rose more than 3 percent on Thursday, to $100.82, and Sun’s shares rose more than 2 percent, to $8.21.
:\ I hope they keep the name Sun.
I never realized how amazingly awesome their logo is.
You never know if IBM will start charging or perhaps creates something worse!
I got my version safe and sound on my HD!
And just in case IBM will do a better job for free, I'll switch over to IBM!
Man I hope not, that's a life saver for me.
Open Office was an awful idea from a business standpoint. Why the hell would you give away all that software with little to no advertising at all? If IBM keeps Open Office it most assuredly won't be the same as it used to be.
I really could care less anyways because I get Office Enterprise for free but it is nice to HAVE open office for those situations where I am away from my computer.
Umm, it's called Open Source Software?
Hmmm, Sun and IBM are both quite active members in the Open Source community, I don't see why IBM would try to change it. It's a product that has proven stable and good enough for use for personal or enterprise purposes.
Actually I think now IBM would peddle the thing more since it would bring more attention to Java, Sun and also IBM. (Since now IBM could attach their logo to it).
Don't mistake me here, I love Big Blue. I would just rather see Sun acquired by someone on the other side of the street, so competition ergo innovation is not stifled. IBM + Sun is a lot of Unix under one roof. Antitrust wouldn't be far behind.