Following the recent collapse of i2 Technologies Inc.'s plans to be acquired by JDA Software, Jackson L. Wilson wouldn't be surprised if another vendor took a run at the pioneering provider of supply chain management software and services.
Wilson, i2's newly named chairman, president, and CEO, in an interview with Managing Automation, said i2's relatively strong first-quarter results and cash position will make the company a more attractive takeover target.
Despite the ongoing recession, i2 reported a 1% increase in revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008, a significant rise in earnings, and $238 million in cash on hand at the end of the year, up by $117 million compared with a year ago. Ironically, i2's stronger results and balance sheet were aided by a $20 million acquisition termination fee paid by JDA.
"To some degree, these things make us more secure and stable, but they also make us a bit more vulnerable," said Wilson, who took over for Pallab K. Chatterjee after having been a member of i2's board of directors since 2005.