Of Krauts and Croissants: SAP Buys Business Objects

Well, you've probably at this point already seen the press on this. So, there's really no sense in discussing the actual acquisition. What I find most interesting is the size of this acquisition. It's not typical for SAP and is the largest purchase ever made by the company. Having worked there previously, my main question in regards to this acquisition is how will these two companies integrate with one another? SAP is smart to start off on the right foot by keeping Business Objects a separate entity. This gives the acquisition at least a chance to be successful. I personally do not believe it would have worked had SAP tried to pull Business Objects into the fold. Everyone is saying that there is a good fit between a German and French company, (at least I've read this on more than one site already) and that it's a Euro-deal gives it better chances of success. I don't know what these folks are smoking. A good fit between a French and German company? One way or another, I'm sure we'll see a bit more on this in the coming days and I for sure will be one to follow this over the mid- to long-term to see how it pans out. If SAP handles this acquisition well it could lead to further large acquisitions in the future which I am glad to see finally happening.