Tricky talks; how Intuit navigated takeover-wary Japan to buy software firm; sale of business to foreigners once meant a disgrace, but now, deals multiply; workers love stock options

Article Abstract:

The complicated financial negotiations and emotional response to Intuit Software's acqusition of Japanese software firm Milky Way Co demonstrates the apprehension many Japanese companies still feel in being acquired by foreigners. Intuit had been interested in acquiring Milky Way for months before the deal was announced in Dec 1995. In Jan 1995 two of Milky Way's original founders had worked out a deal to sell to American software firm Dun & Bradstreet. But one of the three original founders, Hidemoto Yoshii, who owned 50% of the company and also served as president, had decided to quit the company rather than face the shame of selling to an American buyer. The Dun & Bradstreet deal later fell through, but the three owners still had to maneuver carefully around the company's board of directors to get them to agree to the Intuit deal. A year after the takeover, no positions have been eliminated and the employees appreciate the new management and stock options.

Intuit Inc., INTU, Company Acquisition/Merger, Milky Way Corp.

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Tech firms study host of Netscape deals

Article Abstract:

Netscape is discussing the sale of its World Wide Web site and software businesses, according to industry executives and analysts. Netscape is considering options to protect itself following a serious Microsoft attack, including the sale of the company, insiders say. Sun Microsystems, Oracle and IBM are among the anti-Microsoft allies believed to be more likely to consider alternatives in supporting Netscape's Web-browser software. Netscape insiders said the most immediate possibility would consist of selling the Internet pioneer's popular Web site or widen the partnerships of existing affiliates. AOL and Excite are among the companies negotiating these options, according to the insiders. Netscape officials have explored the possibility of a consortium that would help fund future browser development and possibly integrate the Netscape software into other companies' products. IBM, Sun and Oracle would be among the consortium participants.

Planning, Company acquisition/merger, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP, Company business planning

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Microsoft seeks to buy MediaOne's stake in Japan's 2nd-largest cable company

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp. hopes to buy MediaOne Group Inc.'s controlling stake in Titus Communications Corp. Titus offers cable television services and Internet and telephone services in Japan. Microsoft executives will meet next week with officials from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to discuss the planned deal. The acquisition of Titus would give Microsoft a foothold in the high-speed network of the Asia-Pacific area. Microsoft is also working with Softbank Corp. and a power company to offer wireless Internet access to homes in Japan. Such wireless networks might speed up the growth of the Internet in Japan as well as spur demand fo software and hardware products made by Microsoft.

United States, Japan, Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Cable and other pay TV services, Microsoft Corp., Internet services, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, MediaOne Group Inc., UMG, Cable television/data services, Titus Communications Corp.

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