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Well, that was a lot of bluster for nothing. Shortly after former HP CEO Mark Hurd accepted a job at Oracle, HP filed suit claiming Hurd would have no choice but to divulge confidential HP information in his new position. Today, the two companies have announced that they've settled their differences out of court, and Hurd would be taking the position at Oracle. However, Hurd will apparently be keeping that secret HP stuff a secret.
The statements from the company were the usual sort of glad-handing you see when companies come to a grudging agreement. Details of the settlement were not available, but we'd wager Oracle paid HP a pittance, and HP agreed not to pursue that un-enforceable non-compete clause. Despite their positions as competitors in corporate IT, the two companies have worked together extensively to serve their shared customers.
What do you think went on behind closed doors? Did anyone come out ahead in this deal?
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chart2006
September 21, 2010 at 6:28am
I think it's also obvious that Mark has been spending ample time acquiring scuff marks on his knees for two high rate companies to be battling over him. Especially since Oracle wants him after the sexual hurrasment fiasco. That’s like saying we want Clinton back in office (even though he did a damn good job on lowering the national debt).
somethingelse
September 20, 2010 at 6:19pm
I think it's obvious; Mark Hurd told the HP board of directors they'd all get a turn with the marketing contractor he was banging if they drop the suit. She has work, they have their fun and he goes on with his life. Everyone wins!
