Novell Inc says its chairman Ray Noorda is upset by what it says are unfounded press reports claiming he has relinquished his seat as chairman of the board because he turned 70 on June 19 or because the Wordperfect Corp deal closed this week. Novell says that even if Noorda, still the largest single shareholder, steps down, he plans to retain a seat on the board. Novell, which has sent memos to its staff to correct what it calls false impressions left by the press reports, says that Noorda feels he fulfilled his pledge to retire by the time he was 70 by recently turning over the posts of president and chief executive to Bob Frankenberg. It also denied that vice-president John Edwards would become president after Frankenberg becomes chairman or the possibility of layoffs. But reports suggests reorganisation is imminent and details could emerge within days now that the acquisitions are in place – and Novell acknowledges that it will have to reduce its headcount over time.
