In the world of computer users, there are two types of mouse
and keyboard users – those who prefer Microsoft and those who prefer Logitech.
Oddly enough, Microsoft itself may prefer Logitech as stock traders speculated
that the software giant would launch a takeover bid for the Swiss-based peripherals
maker.
Shares of Logitech surged up to 12 percent based on the
trader talk, despite comments from Logitech’s Daniel Borel expressing no desire
to sell his stake in the company.
"I am a co-founder of Logitech. Would you be willing to
sell your child?" Borel told Reuters
in an interview. "I have no reason to sell. But I will not be the one to
decide. I own only some 6 percent so I will neither enable nor prevent a sale
of Logitech."
Buzz circulated in the market that Microsoft prepared a
takeover bid of 48 francs per share for Logitech. "Rumours are rumours. I
can't make any specific comment on them," Borel added.
Not everyone believes that the Logitech shares jump is a
result of an impending takeover. "Today's share price rise is probably
more related to a rebound in the market than any rumours," said an analyst
at bank Vontobel.
Furthermore, even if Microsoft were interested in buying
Logitech, the company would first need to overcome antitrust regulatory issues.
