Siebel Systems
Investors were once sour about the company, as profits and sales dipped considerably in recent years. Industry analysts were also critical of CEO George Shaheen's ability to help Siebel regain its footing.
Most detractors of Siebel thought the company's problems ran deeper than what a corporate makeover could resolve. Siebel's reorganization plan included shaving off costs, restructuring Siebel's sales organization, making strategic acquisitions, and aggressively exploiting new market opportunities.
Siebel's revenues have been doubling almost every year, and Siebel is the leader in customer relationship management software (CRM), according to IDC.
According to Siebel's Web site, the company has consistently operated a cash-positive business since 1995. Today, Siebel has more than US$2.2 billion in cash and no debt.
However, after months of takeover rumors, Oracle's interests were confirmed on Sept 12 when it announced plans to acquire Siebel for US$5.8 billion.