Lotus-Novell plan for merger is called off; collapse of $1.5 billion deal adds to growing power of dominant Microsoft

Article Abstract:

A last-minute deadlock has brought about the collapse of the proposed Lotus Development Corp/Novell Inc merger that many observers felt was not only a sure thing, but that would also have redrawn the balance of power in the microcomputer software market. According to Lotus Chmn and CEO Jim P. Manzi, the collapse was caused by a last-minute decision by Novell's board to demand that the new board of directors be made up of four members each from Novell and Lotus, rather than than the four Lotus to three Novell split that had been previously settled. Manzi said that Lotus had already made several concessions to Novell, including renaming the company and assuring Ray Noorda a more powerful position within the company. Manzi said the deal was called off primarily because the four/four split would lead to unworkable deadlocks.

Novell Inc., NOVL, Vendor Relations, Merger

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Rebounding Lotus eyes changing database market; software maker, reaching beyond 1-2-3, hopes to buy California concern

Article Abstract:

Lotus Development Corp, which had been thought of as a one-product company with its 1-2-3 spreadsheet, now offers various software products ranging from word processors to graphics packages. Lotus still does not have a database product, but this could change because Lotus is negotiating to acquire Approach Software Inc, which is a database company. As an alternative to an acquisition, Lotus might license Approach's software. A database product would put Lotus into direct competition with Borland International Inc and Microsoft Corp. Generally speaking, Lotus is doing well. There is a new release of 1-2-3, and the company's Improv spreadsheet and Notes office-automation software are well-received. Lotus' stock hit a 52-week high on May 20, 1993, closing at $36.

Computer integrated systems design, Database management systems, DBMS software, Company Profile, DBMS, Industry Analysis, Outlook, Approach Software Corp.

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Lotus agrees to sell Signal, QuoTrek to Financial News

Article Abstract:

Lotus Development Corp sells its Signal and QuoTrek stock quotation services to the Financial News Network. The details of the sale are not disclosed but analysts previously valued the business at about $10 million. Signal and QuoTrek provide price quotes and market information on 40,000 securities. Their sale indicates Lotus' effort to concentrate solely on its core 1-2-3 spreadsheet software business.

Information services, Divestiture, Market makers (Securities trading), Divestment, Stock Quotation Services, Financial News Network

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