[Craig T]

Originally Posted by legion

As a counter-point, I will say that IBM has been very successful at growth through acquisition. I know that when IBM buys a company, their software will be well-integrated with IBM's other offerings and continue to function and be improved.

Exactly! Also, Tyco, GE, McKesson...All companies who invest in and grow their acquired companies.

I think a lot of people watch Pretty Woman, grab the phrase "corporate raider", and rant negatively about something they actually know very little about (unique to this forum?). I'm sympathetic to those middle managers and below who have been victims of post-acq layoffs, but industry consolidation is a natural part of a free market economy.