Broadcom-Zscaler: deal remains on track

Hard negotiation and a false alarm

After additional inputs from very highly placed execs, we have learned that the discussions remain on track. We learned of a new phrase, which you will read at the end of this article. You can read the commentary we have gathered below.

In a major development in the ongoing Broadcom-Zscaler discussions we learned this morning that Broadcom might be reconsidering a deal due to a “lack of seriousness” on part of the Zscaler management and board. This was also reporting elsewhere, claiming Hock is willing to walk away if Zscaler deal doesn’t materialize. Our readers are perhaps aware that Hock is an aggressive negotiator and can be quite aggressive when he has zeroed in on an acquisition target. This can play in his favor (Symantec deal) or not (Qualcomm - no deal). After several phone calls this morning, however, we confirmed that although there’s some tough negotiation underway, the overall deal stays on track.

Multiple sources noted to us this morning that Hock expressed his dissatisfa…