Network Associates Inc is the latest company to be the subject of acquisition speculation. Shares in the security and management software house, formed in 1997 from the merger of McAfee Associates Inc and Network General Co, rose 8% on Tuesday on the rumors. Investors were speculating that Computer Associates International Inc, Cisco Systems Inc, Microsoft Corp or Novell Inc might be interested in buying the company, which itself has carried out some 25 product and company acquisitions over the past few years. Yesterday saw another 8.65% rise in the shares, which closed at $21.19. The company is due to report its second quarter results next Wednesday, July 21.
