
It has been an extremely busy week for rumors, with numerous companies' names being floated about. Here's a few of the more notable rumors:
Business Objects S.A. (NASDAQ: BOBJ)All week long there have been rumors that the global provider of business intelligence software solutions has been the target of a takeover. The company's shares are rallying today as Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ:
ORCL) could be making its move. Previously, Oracle has singled out Business Objects as a possible target. What's different this time is that while Business Objects always says they're not interested in selling, they're not saying that now.
USG Corp. (NYSE: USG)Warren Buffett. Yes, him. If he shows an interest, a company's stock goes up, and USG, the manufacturer and distributor of building materials, which counts U.S. Gypsum as a wholly owned subsidiary, is seeing its stock go up. Will Buffet raise his stake, or just out and out buy the company? Last report was that Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:
BRK.A) owns about 19%. of the company. Stay alert.
Foot Locker (NYSE: FL)For months the global retailer of athletic footwear and apparel has been outdistancing the rumors of a company sale as its shares have continued to slip and fall. Even CEO Matthew Serra made a point of saying that there's nothing to it. But it's hardly news that sales and earnings have been flat for years. Last summer the company hired Evercore Partners as an advisor, and Pathenon Group to look them over. So whatever is up, is certainly can't be very comforting to hear that Nike Inc (NYSE:
NKE) is planning to open a series of mall-based specialty stores. Foot Locker is a major reseller of the Nike brand.