>>If Lucent makes a bid for it, IBM probably won't stay on the side line. Don't you think?
Indeed! IBM has many strategic alliances with 3Com, but was probably wary of buying them outright due to the conflict it would create with their competitors (other 3Com OEMs - Dell, HP, Gateway, etc.). However, Compaq's aggressiveness, including the purchase of Microcom, Tandem, and Digital has to have the Blue hairs standing on end. However it works, IBM+COMS allied with LU, or LU+COMS w/IBM, those bedfellows will give their collective competitors much to consider and fear. CA's run at CSC also threatens IBM, but I don't think IBM will go after CSC, since it's a pure people play, and they have depth there.
LU would be a stock deal. IBM would have to be stock & cash, IMO. I'd love it either way. |
