Publications
Publications
- November 2005 (Revised February 2006)
- HBS Case Collection
Oracle vs. PeopleSoft (A)
By: Lynn S. Paine, Guhan Subramanian and David Millstone
Abstract
Focuses on the hotly contested takeover battle between software rivals Oracle and PeopleSoft in 2003 and 2004. Raises novel issues of takeover law under Delaware corporate law as well as issues of fair competition under California law. A central issue is whether the PeopleSoft board's adoption of a "Customer Assurance Program" is a permissible move to protect customers or an impermissible takeover defense.
Keywords
Takeover; Fiduciary Duty; Mergers and Acquisitions; Applications and Software; Ethics; Law; Governing and Advisory Boards; Customer Focus and Relationships; Information Technology Industry; United States
Citation
Paine, Lynn S., Guhan Subramanian, and David Millstone. "Oracle vs. PeopleSoft (A)." Harvard Business School Case 306-058, November 2005. (Revised February 2006.)