George Samenuk, chairman and CEO of Network Associates, sent an e-mail to all company staff reassuring them that rumors of a Microsoft takeover are not true.
“Many of you have seen the article in Computer Reseller News (CRN) which says that Network Associates is being acquired by Microsoft,” said the e-mail from Samenuk that is now making the rounds on the Internet.
“There is no truth to this rumor,” it went on to say.
“Sometimes, stories like this one take on a life of their own. You may hear slants, spins and variations, but the bottom line is the same, it’s just not true.”
Microsoft and Network Associates
The current partnership between the companies includes bundling Network Associates’ antivirus software with Microsoft’s MSN service.
The two also share research on computer viruses.
The CRN report that sparked the series of rumors noted that a sale announcement could come as early as July 1st, citing unnamed Wall Street and channel partner sources.
The report also said Network Associates plans to announce a round of layoffs.
Network Associates is in fact under pressure from investors to improve operating margin to 25 percent by the middle of next year, which is likely what has sparked the rumors that it is planning layoffs on July 1st.
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