With SAP shares changing hands at their lowest level in four years, it seems a bit out place to think about Champagne being uncorked in Walldorf. Yet, we would note that it is the first anniversary of SAP’s landmark $6.8bn purchase of Business Objects. Fortunately for Business Objects shareholders, SAP used cash — rather than equity — to cover the price of its largest acquisition. (If Business Objects had taken SAP stock, their company would be worth just $4.4bn, rather than $6.8bn, based on SAP’s current valuation.) For the record, SAP didn’t cite any specific problems with Business Objects, but instead pointed to a ‘very sudden drop’ in overall business as it warned that third-quarter results will be weaker than expected.
The 451 Take on Tech M&A