A report Wednesday that Salesforce.com has hired financial advisers to help “field takeover offers” after being approached by a potential buyer sent the stock soaring nearly 20%. Trading in the stock was halted briefly for volatility.
According to the latest SEC 13F filings, New York State Common Retirement Fund is the largest pension fund holder of Salesforce.com stock, with more than $117 million. Ohio State Teachers’ Retirement System was next, with about $108 million, followed by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (approximately $84 million).
According to Bloomberg, at the company’s current market value, it would be the largest takeover ever of a software company.