Deano:
That is a very interesting observation, and one that got by me in my reading of the proxy statement.
My first thought was that it may have been generically referring to the IBM, ITG and Alladin relationships. But observing the capitalization of the words Master and Purchase and Agreements, it would appear that it is referring to something more specific. So, I then went back to all of the major SEC document filings since 10/97 and scanned each one for the words "Master Purchase" and "Purchase Agreements". I could find no document with the words "OEM Master Purchase Agreements", other than the specific line you have noted on the 14A Proxy Statement and its pre-release predecessor.
It may therefore refer to the HP and related relationship agreements which were unannounced as of the Proxy filing dates. If it does, it is unusual that such then-unannounced developments would be so specifically referenced.
I guess if it does refer to the HP, etc. agreements, then we all missed a piece of "hintful" knowledge that was thrust in front of us a couple of weeks ago, and about which we could have been speculating all this time <gg>.
Obviously, this is an item which would be a useful and enlightening question topic for the Annual Meeting, which I unfortunately cannot get away to attend.
Get that little red monster running and out onto the M1 or M4 for a little exercise!!!
Steve |
