Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) have become a norm in the software space. It can be well-construed by a few examples
such as HP acquiring Compaq, EMC acquiring Documentum and Security software leader Symantec signing a deal with storage leader Veritas. Intensifying competition and waning technology spending is putting pressure on software companies to look for new avenues for growth.

Hence, it has become inevitable for companies to opt for M&A. The raison d’être is that it provides instant help in expanding geographical reach, customer base, enhancing product-portfolio, synergy, and specialization. Besides, it helps in generating steady revenue from maintenance, upgradation
and services business. It also provides an opportunity to serve the need of diverse customers by offering one-stop solution.

To keep competition at bay and solidify its position in the consolidating software industry, the world’s largest
database company and second largest software company, Oracle Corp., has been on an aggressive buying spree to
grow inorganically for more than two years. It has acquired PeopleSoft, Oblix, Retek, ProfitLogic, i-flex, announced to
acquire Siebel and the list goes on. Stuart Read, Professor of Marketing at International Institute of Management Development, Switzerland, gives credit to its culture for survival in the hyper competitive environment. He points out in his book The Oracle Edge that ‘take no prisoners’ culture has helped Oracle to survive in the brutal competition and technology shifts that have destroyed many other software firms and left it as the only credible competitor for Microsoft Corporation. These acquisitions are to accomplish its vision ‘Project Fusion,’ to revolutionize business by integrating business applications.

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