Topic: Growth Stocks

Wall Street Stock Forecaster Hotline – Friday, December 10, 2010

Article Excerpt

BECKMAN COULTER INC., $72.08, New York symbol BEC, rose 26.3% on Friday on media reports that the company has put itself up for sale. Beckman is reportedly talking with several possible buyers. However, the company could decide to stay public if it doesn’t attract an adequate offer. We’ll say more about this potential sale as more information becomes available. For now, Beckman Coluter is a hold. VERIGY INC., $13.25, Nasdaq symbol VRGY, jumped 46% this week after Japan-based Advantest Corp. (New York symbol ATE) offered to buy the company for $12.15 a share. Advantest is the world’s largest maker of systems that test computer memory chips. Verigy is not satisfied with the offer, but is open to negotiating a higher price. Separately, Verigy still plans to proceed with its all-stock purchase of LTX-Credence Corp. (Nasdaq symbol LTXC), which should close in the first half of 2011. LTX is a rival maker of computer-chip testing equipment. Following the purchase, Verigy shareholders will own 56% of…