While somewhat rare there are holding companies like Jonas Software that buy lots of smaller software companies in various markets then effectively let each subsidiary run without too much interference. Their philosophy seems to be own most or all of the competitors in a vertical market, sell the software for a reasonable (read: non-Oracle) price with ongoing maintenance, and collect the cash. I only know about them because a relative was Director of Engineering at the time they were acquired and is now CEO.
They don't expect any massive changes in revenue with the companies they acquire. They're willing to hire and invest in revamping/improving their products. Their goal is stable revenue by making customers happy enough to keep paying the maintenance.
They seem to be doing OK with that business model.
Thanks for the context. It's crazy that this sounds like a radical investing approach these days. Prosus seems more promising than most potential buyers, so hopefully this isn't the beginning of the end for SO.
I'd say this is accurate for the most part but they bought the first company I worked for out of college and they really tightened the screws on our benefits packages under the guise of "unifications" with their existing stuff. They ended up moving me to a high deductible insurance plan which was absolute nads
They don't expect any massive changes in revenue with the companies they acquire. They're willing to hire and invest in revamping/improving their products. Their goal is stable revenue by making customers happy enough to keep paying the maintenance.
They seem to be doing OK with that business model.