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Comment by 0xmohit | Hacker News Reader

  On March 15, 2016, Mr. Weiner called Mr. Nadella to inquire as
  to whether Microsoft was interested in discussing further a
  potential acquisition of LinkedIn, and explained that, although
  LinkedIn was not for sale, others had expressed interest in an
  acquisition.

Amusing, indeed. Maybe this is how M&A happen.

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Of course it is. It's clear they started shopping the company immediately after the collapse. Also, you never say "Hey, you want to buy us?", because that reeks of desperation and scares off all potential buyers.

Out of curiosity, how did you think business deals happen?

  Out of curiosity, how did you think business deals happen?

I didn't imagine something like: "P, Q, R, S have expressed interest in buying us. We thought that might as well check with you with you're interested. We are not for sale, by the way."

Which collapse do you mean?

The stock price collapse.

Dude it's his duty as a representative of shareholders. Shareholders deserve to have all offers for the company heard, and all possible acquirers notified so that the shareholders get the best possible offer.

Boards focus on representing shareholders. CEOs do too, mostly, but I'd argue that focusing on providing value to customers, which will in turn better provide value for shareholders, should be the main focus, because big companies too often lose sight of what the hell it is they're doing that is actually of value.

I work in M&A. Yes this is how M&A happens.

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