Rivals pursue JD Edwards' mainland deals

Makers of business-automation software are still trying to lure customers away from rival JD Edwards as its merger with PeopleSoft remains ensnared in a hostile takeover bid by Oracle.

Swedish firms Intentia and IFS amd software giants SAP and Oracle, are among rivals actively pursuing potential deals even though PeopleSoft completed its US$1.8 billion acquisition of JD Edwards last month, according to analysts.

David Hope, managing director at Intentia Asia-Pacific, noted 'the significant opportunity' to offer his company's services to the medium-sized enterprise customers of JD Edwards because of upheavals typically caused by mergers.

Oracle, for instance, has extended its unsolicited purchase offer to PeopleSoft shareholders until September 19. In response, PeopleSoft has filed an amended complaint against Oracle. PeopleSoft has <243>also received shareholder lawsuits, mainly against its response to the Oracle offer.

Research firm Gartner has said the PeopleSoft lawsuit showed concern that Oracle's bid will disrupt the company's business and its merger with JD Edwards. In Asia, the focus of rivals' attention has been on about 150 JD Edwards customers in China.

Intentia and IFS are offering concessions to firms that plan to or use JD Edwards applications.