The state of Michigan announced Wednesday is joining the U.S. government and seven other states that want to block Oracle’s $9.4 proposal to takeover PeopleSoft, (Quote, Chart) Attorney General Mike Cox said in a statement Wednesday.
Cox said if Oracle acquires PeopleSoft, the merger would “impair competition between businesses, government agencies and other organizations that depend on their products.” Some estimates place the cost to Michigan taxpayers at more than $130 million.
“We’re joining this fight to make sure Michigan taxpayers do not have to pay more for goods and services, and to help guarantee a continued, diversified business market,” Cox said after the state filed a motion in San Francisco’s Federal District Court to intervene in the antitrust suit. “I will fight to make sure that Michigan businesses and consumers aren’t at the mercy of those who seek to evade our anti-trust laws for their own unjust gain.”
Currently, Texas, Hawaii, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and North Dakota are standing behind the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) case. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 7 in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Judge Vaughn R. Walker is expected to hear pre-trial arguments April 16 on whether the states should piggyback on the DOJ’s case.
Oracle spokesperson Jennifer Glass declined to comment on Michigan’s action or the pending litigation.
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