So far the beginning of 2010 is looking a lot like the end of 2009. In particular, last year’s HPC business theme of Mergers, Acquisitions and Worse is still playing out and may continue to do so for some time.
Verari Systems, when we last left them in December, was in mid-swoon, and attempting to “restructure the business.” Apparently the situation is a bit more dire. Over the holidays, the company’s Web site sprouted an asset sales solicitation from CMA (Credit Management Association), a business that specializes in servicing distressed businesses. The notice reads as follows:
CMA is soliciting competing offers for a premier developer of energy efficient data center and desktop consolidation platforms utilizing independent blade-based compute and storage solutions. All assets will be sold by CMA as Assignee for the Benefit of Creditors.
The bid deadline was listed as January 7 at 5:00 p.m. PST, so we may have further news later this week.
On a more upbeat note is news of yet another acquisition — this one completely under my radar. Apparently on December 14, TotalView Technologies, maker of the TotalView debugger, has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Rogue Wave Software (hat tip to John West at insideHPC for this one). A Norwegian press release tells the tale of the stock buyout (TotalView is traded over the counter on the Norwegian stock exchange).
Supposedly, the acquisition was to close on January 4th or earlier, so it may already be a done deal. Both companies have been tight-lipped about the particulars behind the acquisition, but I’m expecting to talk with one or more of the execs at TotalView/Rogue Wave later this week. So again, stay tuned.