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Technology Stocks : 3Com Corporation (COMS) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mang Cheng who wrote (29295)	3/27/1999 5:43:00 AM
From: Harold S. Kirby	Respond to of 45548

Mang & Thread: As I related in earlier posts...keep a close eye on who will be the "spokesperson" for 3com...this will indicate that the Board has made their decision as to whom will be benahamou's replacement...the power plays within mgmt have opted for Claflin. He is well respected by the street and certainly has the shareholder's intetests in mind. benahamou will probable remain as Chairman...good place for him ! I expect the reorganization is well on its way and we could hear within a short period of time. The announcement could come in the form that benahamou is "taking a vacation" (touring the facilities) overseas...to get a "first hand look" at their operations. That will leave Claflin "assuming CEO responsibilities" while benahamou is "out of town". This to me would give benahamou some "dignity" in removing himself (resigning)from the management of the corporation, rather than being "fired" by the Board ! The WSJ article certainly drove the stake through benahamou's heart and the Board members were certainly looking at eachother and amongst themselves most likely have decided that benahamou should exit for the "balanced best interests of all"! When he does...watch the reaction of WS...I expect we could possible see a 3-5pt jump in shareholder value. If Claflin assumes the position as CEO...we will certainly see WS reaction...another 2-3 pt increase ! Ws will most likely give Claflin a "honeymoon" of approximately 6 months of "breathing space" to sweep the floor clean and get the corporation "back on track"! Additionally...3com will not be on the block...Claflin would be the most to lose...he is smarter than that...he would resign immediately if he has any vibs that this would occur. Personally...I think it would be the smartest decision that the Board could make. Claflin is well respected on WS and highly thought of amongst his peers. He is articulate, aggressive, and highly motivated and welcomes competition. He is also polite to the analysts' respectful of their positions and is not a BS artist. He comes to every CC well prepared and his announcements for the company have not at this point been...misleading ! Although I have never met him, he gives me the impression that he recognizes the power that he holds but is "humble" and does not flout his importance, ie benahamou's..."make no mistake about it...I'm in charge here"! This is a highly intelligent individual who comes from a different type of management training than mr. benahamou. He is a "team builder" and expects "performance" and will reward those who perform. To me...he is a "no nonsense...no excuses" type of individual and will act boldly and decisivesly....HE IS A LEADER, and one who attracts followers ! So...I concur with your post and this certainly is indicative of better times ahead ! HK regards, HK