It really was a news fest. However, the multiple articles that headlined that a Chinese company was interested in buying Seagate were all based on an interview with Watkins that was carried in the N.Y. Times last Thursday. If one read the article carefully, Watkins did not specifically say that Seagate was the company the Chinese interests were pursuing. Then he went on to say that though Seagate was not for sale, it would be difficult to fend off a high bid. It was all a bit confusing but I have a confirmation that Watkins is telling analysts today that he was misquoted.
If a Chinese company is interested in buying a U.S. drive maker (if not Seagate then has to be WDC) and I were placing bets, I would bet that this would be squelched. I don't think the Chinese want to face off the kind of U.S. vitriolic response that accompanied the Lenovo deal at this point in time. I suspect they are still too heavily engaged in repairing the negative PR their exports have garnered lately (lead paint on toys, tainted dog kibble, etc.) They would be content to bide their time, something that, in my experience, Chinese b usiness leaders do exceptionally well. By the way, I very much enjoy your blog(s)
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If a Chinese company is interested in buying a U.S. drive maker (if not Seagate then has to be WDC) and I were placing bets, I would bet that this would be squelched. I don't think the Chinese want to face off the kind of U.S. vitriolic response that accompanied the Lenovo deal at this point in time. I suspect they are still too heavily engaged in repairing the negative PR their exports have garnered lately (lead paint on toys, tainted dog kibble, etc.) They would be content to bide their time, something that, in my experience, Chinese b usiness leaders do exceptionally well.
By the way, I very much enjoy your blog(s)