Lucent won't talk to any company with a market cap in excess of 12 billion dollars until they can "pool their interests". In other words, swap the stock. In LUcy's case, that is Oct 1. Until then, no talks or offers can occur prior to that date, unless LUcy wishes to reverse the tax free status of its jettison from AT&T, which isn't going to happen. They have purchased smaller companies like Livingston, but they were cash deals. ASND would go down for around 13 to 14 billion, cash LUcy doesn't have right now. They must wait. As I have stated on the ASND thread...No smiling, winking or pinching Mory's ass while no ones looking until Oct 1. This would violate the tax free restrictions.
Getting back to your original post, yes, he could have hedged if he were in talks, but based on the above information, it was a stupid question to ask in this point in time(less than 2 months from the lifting of restrictions).
Best of Luck,
Kent |
