From Mr. Spud to Mr. Chip; the potato tycoon who is the force behind Micron

Article Abstract:

Boise businessman Jack Simplot is the largest shareholder in Micron Technology with 22% of the company's stock, providing him with a significant amount of control over the company. Simplot's career as a businessman began in 1923, when he became a pig farmer at the age of 14. The J.R. Simplot Co was established, which eventually became one of the largest private enterprises in the US, specializing in farming, mining, food processing and other entities. In 1980, Simplot agreed to back Ward and Joe Parkinson, twins who wanted to make computer chips. The result, Micron Technology, made its IPO in 1984, and its highest point came in 1993, when a shortage of chips allowed the company to maintain high prices. The company's stock was worth over $94 a share in Sep 1995, although it has since fallen sharply. Simplot was recently embroiled in the dismissal and reappointment of Micron CEO Steve Appleton, and many analysts believe that the lack of outsiders on the board allows Simplot and other wealthy board members to control the company as if it were a private enterprise.

IC Memory Chips, Officials and employees, Personality profile

---

Possible deal by 2 chip markers is hinted; report says Digital is in talks to end patent lawsuit against Intel

Article Abstract:

Digital Equipment reportedly is close to settling its patent infringement lawsuit against Intel. Other terms would call for Digital to sell its Alpha microprocessor technology to Intel in exchange for cash, product discounts and a long-term alliance, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Neither Digital Equipment nor Intel confirmed the report. Many experts say Alpha outperforms any Intel product, but Alpha has failed to capitalize in the commercial market. Alpha chip sales totaled 300,000 in 1996, while Intel sold 65 million chips, according to market research company Dataquest. Digital sued Intel in May 1997, alleging that Intel had violated 10 of its patents in the production of Intel's Pentium, Pentium Pro and Pentium II microprocessors. An agreement could allow Digital to divest itself of an expensive investment. Intel could acquire important designs and Digital customers, plus avoid potentially lengthy patent litigation.

Microprocessor Chips, Company legal issue, Cases, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Intel Corp., INTC, Microprocessors, Digital Equipment Corp., DEC

---

Growing pains are spotted at Micron Technology

Article Abstract:

Three of Micron Technology Inc's board members have resigned in an effort to bring outside expertise into the company. Company COO Tyler Lowery, CFO William Stover and Ed Heitzeberg, the VP in charge of design, product engineering and quality control, have agreed to vacate their board positions, but will continue to work for the company. Micron is a memory-chip vendor that was financed by a group of local agribusiness merchants. The company has had an informal attitude, and the infusion of outside directors could result in culture shock. There has been conflict among the board members, which resulted in the firing and subsequent rehiring of Steve Appleton, their popular young chairman and CEO in Jan 1996. The company is experiencing profit declines resulting from a drastic drop in prices for memory chips. Micron has combated that trend by expanding its PC manufacturing division, rising to ninth place among US PC vendors.

Semiconductor Memories, Management, Computer industry, Company Business Management

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: What women want. Voila, the Muppets fix things in the machine. Where there's a will, there's a disk
• Abstracts: Boeing ex-unit tied to Bahamas bribe. Mulroney testifies to open libel case. Mulroney named in bribe probe, sues
• Abstracts: Personal organizer as pocket pet. Sometimes achieving simplicity isn't cheap and isn't so easy
• Abstracts: Glitches short-circuit miracle of paying bills on-line. Software lets marketers target Web ads. Computer Associates to buy Cheyenne; pact for $1.2 billion comes half year after target spurned McAfee's offer

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.