Special coverage: Oracle vs. PeopleSoft

How far is Ellison willing to go for PeopleSoft? news analysis With so many forces mounting opposition to Oracle's hostile bid to buy PeopleSoft, cooler heads might suggest it's time to call it quits. But Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has never been one to follow conventional wisdom. February 26, 2004 Oracle executive makes Justice Dept.'s point In its 17-page lawsuit against Oracle, the U.S. Justice Department's lawyers try to hoist Oracle by its own petard--using the words of a company co-president. February 26, 2004 U.S. to block Oracle bid for PeopleSoft update Antitrust authorities say they'll go to court to block Oracle's proposed purchase of rival software company PeopleSoft. Oracle responds that it plans to "vigorously challenge" the government. February 26, 2004 Why Bill Gates is smiling today perspective Microsoft's chairman surely must be savoring the moment as Larry Ellison, one of the handmaidens to the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, is finally getting payback. February 27, 2004 Read the Justice Department lawsuit The top U.S. law enforcement agency and seven state attorneys general launch a civil case against Oracle, arguing that a merger with PeopleSoft would reduce competition and raise prices. February 26, 2004 latest coverage Oracle, feds tangle over market definition Oracle and federal antitrust regulators grapple with a key definition that would influence the direction of the government's review of Oracle's bid to merge with rival PeopleSoft. February 20, 2004 Justice Department staff opposes Oracle bid update Antitrust lawyers at the U.S. Justice Department are recommending that the department file suit to block Oracle's acquisition of PeopleSoft, indicating that Oracle may face a serious setback in its embattled bid for its rival. February 11, 2004 PeopleSoft rejects revised Oracle bid update PeopleSoft's board of directors rejects Oracle's revised hostile bid, saying it believes the company is worth more than $26 a share. February 9, 2004 previous coverage Oracle makes 'final' bid for PeopleSoft Oracle increases its cash offer for enterprise software maker PeopleSoft to $26 per share, presenting its rival's shareholders with a $9.4 billion hostile takeover bid. February 4, 2004 PeopleSoft sets date for boardroom tug-of-war PeopleSoft sets the stage for a tussle with Oracle for boardroom control by announcing it will hold an annual shareholder meeting and director election on March 25. January 30, 2004 Oracle names potential PeopleSoft directors Oracle names five prospective replacements to PeopleSoft's board, a necessary step in the company's efforts to complete a hostile takeover of its rival in the market for business software applications. January 23, 2004