Other Names To Watch On Netezza's Takeout (ISLN, CVLT, CML)

Netezza NZ entered into a merger agreement this morning with IBM IBM, agreeing to be purchased for $27 per share. Shares are currently higher than the $27 offer, indicating there is potential interest from another bidder for NZ, one who has yet to emerge. There are plenty of other companies, such as Isilon Systems, Inc. ISLN, CommVault Systems, Inc. CVLT, and Compellent Technologies Inc. CML, that have been the subjects of taken over speculation as well. All 4 of these companies do similar things, and that's operate in the cloud computing space in one way or another. Cloud computing has been the hottest sector as of late, with companies like VMware VMW and Salesforce.com CRM setting new 52 week highs almost daily. It seems as though if a company even mentions anything about cloud computing, it's good for a few dollars per share. Everyday it seems there is a new rumor about some company being acquired, and these rumors have credence. Just last week, ArcSight ARST was acquired by Hewlett-Packard HPQ, days after rumors that the company would be acquired by one of the major technology companies. I have no idea if any of these companies will be acquired or not, but it seems like common sense that one of them will be, considering that Dell DELL went so hard after 3PAR PAR, only to wind up empty-handed. Traders may want to look at shares of one of these companies, as it seems like every other day someone is getting picked off in this space. If one of these companies gets bought at a substantial premium, you'll be as high as a cloud. Disclosure: no positions in any companies mentioned See 4 Strong Buys here for free.