MICROS Systems Halted Briefly On Rumor Of Possible Acquisition

Trading in MICROS Systems MCRS was halted briefly on news that the company is in discussions to be acquired by Oracle ORCL for more than $5 billion.

Shares in MICROS Systems shot up nearly 20 percent before trading was stopped by the exchange just before 12 p.m. ET. When trading resumed, the issue traded around $67.91 per share, up 17.68 percent.

The supposed deal was reported by Bloomberg and attributed to anonymous sources. Neither company offered comment.

MICROS Systems, which provides software and hardware for retailers, currently has a market capitalization of $4.97 billion.

Oracle's market cap is $189.24 billion.

Oracle changed hands recently at $42.64 per share, up 1.16 percent.