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

To: Tim Luke who wrote (30077)	4/25/1999 11:37:00 PM
From: Joe Gun	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 45548

WSJE: Ericsson Plans To Acquire Internet-Related Firms By ALMAR LATOUR Dow Jones Newswires Staff Reporter STOCKHOLM -- Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson officials said the company plans to acquire Internet-technology companies in the next four months. Officials refused to comment directly on rumors that the Swedish maker of telecommunications equipment is targeting 3Com Corp., a California-based maker of data-networking equipment, or that they have met with 3Com officials to discuss an acquisition. The rumors boosted 3Com's share price Friday by 16%, to $25.8125 on the Nasdaq market, up $3.50. Meanwhile, insiders at both companies indicated that no deal was imminent. "We entertain contacts and discussions with virtually all companies in the industry," said Lars Stahlberg, a spokesman for Ericsson. "We are continuously looking to find partners to complement our technology. I wouldn't be surprised if we find any good fits soon." Added Mike Thurk, Ericsson's general manager for datacom networks, "We can expect more acquisitions in the next four or so months." After a sluggish start in the Internet arena, Ericsson has steadily broadened its data-networking portfolio through its so-called string of pearls acquisition strategy. In less than a year, it has raised its stake in Internet-technology and data-networking companies such as Juniper Networks Inc., bought ACC, acquired a handful of smaller operations, including Oz.com. Two weeks ago, it agreed to acquire Torrent Networking Technologies Corp., an Internet-technology company in the U.S., for $450 million in cash. Critics say Ericsson has to make more Internet-related acquisitions in order to compete with Cisco Inc. and others in the data-networking industry. Moreover, in the mobile-phone business, Ericsson has lagged behind rival Nokia Corp. of Finland.

To: Tim Luke who wrote (30077)	4/25/1999 11:38:00 PM
From: puborectalis	Respond to of 45548

3COM and WLANs - Investment Ideas By The-Adviser.com - Sunday, 4/25/99 released on 4/26/99. SERVICES Money Management Portfolio Reviews 401(k) Rollovers Retirement Financial Plans Estate Plans College Savings Ask The-Adviser Clients Only WHY US Benefits Available Services "Interview Us" Fee Information Disclosures Applications Clients Only THE COMPANY Background Philosophy The Press Policies Opportunities LINKS Home Page Related Links Stock Quotes New York - 3COM is a leading supplier of local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) systems. It recently reorganized internal business units to target small and midsize businesses and individual consumers. 3COM took on the business reorganization because it found itself unable to compete with firms such as CISCO and LUCENT who are increasingly focusing on large businesses. With revenue soft and business difficulties surrounding the company, holders of 3COM stock have watched their value plunge from a 52 week high of $51 to a low of $20. The Company believes that its focus on home and small business networking products, particularly wireless area networks, will position the company to the forefront of a new computing era. This era will consists of hand held Internet enabled computer appliances that connect to the Internet via a wireless network. As 3COM attempts to reposition itself - it finds itself involved in takeover speculation. SIEMENS and ERICSSON have apparently expressed interest. These rumors have sent the stock up from $20 to a current value of about $25 (on the date of this report 4/18/99). Despite this increase, our analysts believe that 3COM (COMS) is currently undervalued. The underlying business, despite softness, appears to be healthy. The markets for wireless-networks, home appliances and hand-held mobile computing products such as the Palm Pilot will grow significantly. It is not a matter of if but a matter of when. We believe the current price decline provides an ideal opportunity for an investor looking to increase or initiate a position in this fast growing arena. As far as takeover talks, we believe that 3COM is susceptible to being acquired. This industry will certainly be consolidated. In addition to 3COM, we believe small but established firms such as Proxim (PROX) and Telxon (TLXN) are susceptible to being acquired. We expect 3COM to trade between $25 and $35 until business performance improves. Should acquisition talks continue, 3COM may trade higher. Our three year target stock price for 3COM is $80. An acquisition at anytime would provide additional returns.