Companies aim to dominate fun learning
Article Abstract:
Broderbund Software Inc's acquisition of Learning Co for $440 million will create the largest edutainment software developer, which will give both companies more marketing power in the fiercely competitive market. The edutainment software market is comprised of children's educational software combined with entertainment software. The market is extremely competitive because thousands of titles are produced by small firms, most of whom never make a profit. The deluge of titles means extremely limited shelf space at retail stores. The Broderbund Learning Co merger will enable both companies to demand self-space for their products. Broderbund has become a large and successful developer with popular titles including the Myst CD-ROM and Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego. Learning Co's successful titles include its Reading Rabbit series. Broderbund will pay $55.30 per share for Learning Co, a premium 41% higher than Learning Co's share price on Jul 31, 1995.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
H-P buys most assets of SecureWare, a maker of on-line security software
Article Abstract:
HP acquires a majority of SecureWare's assets in a move intended to extend HP's influence and viability in the burgeoning electronic commerce software market. Users of SecureWare's esteemed network security software include the Pentagon, IBM, Sun Microsystems and HP itself. HP intends to license the technology behind SecureWare to third-party developers as well as incorporate it into the company's own product line. Analysts suggest that HP will receive approximately 66% of SecureWare's assets and a team of 40 respected software programmers for future continued development. Encryption and firewalls are used to secure the integrity of electronic commerce information once it has entered a network, but these procedures are often cumbersome and prone to attack. SecureWare's operating system technology offers a level of security that has yet to be compromised.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Intuit, ChipSoft merger to fill software niche
Article Abstract:
Intuit Inc acquires Chipsoft Inc in a $232.9 million stock exchange to create one strong leader in the growing personal finance software market. Intuit commands 70 percent of the personal finance software market, while ChipSoft holds about 60 percent of the market in tax-preparation programs. Analysts believe the uniting of the companies will create a powerful personal-finance software company. ChipSoft recently attempted to buy Meca Software Inc, but the Justice Department thwarted the effort for being anti-competitive. ChipSoft shares dropped $1.50 on Sep 2, 1993, reflecting the value of Intuit's bid. Stock for Intuit dropped 12.5 cents to $32.125. The transaction will be finished by Dec 1993.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Cellular One acts to curb phone fraud by mandating use of a security code. Cellular phone firms ferret out fraud
- Abstracts: AT&T to sell stake in leasing business; move may portend fates of other units
- Abstracts: Newall to buy Rubbermaid for $5.8 billion. CBS's sale of last Westinghouse assets focuses on a Morrison Knudson Group
- Abstracts: Microsoft sets a new strategy for investments. Amazon buys stake in upstart Drugstore.com
- Abstracts: The day Bill Gates overthrew Big Blue. IBM expected to try to bring order to software chaos. Next task at Apple: first order, then orders