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The case gives a detailed account of Oracle Corporation?s successful attempt to acquire PeopleSoft, one of the world?s leading enterprise software companies. It explores the circumstances and the reasons that led Oracle to launch a hostile takeover bid for acquiring a controlling equity stake in PeopleSoft. The case also examines the defence strategies used by PeopleSoft to prevent this takeover attempt. Finally, the case describes the benefits from the deal to: (1) Oracle; (2) PeopleSoft?s management; (3) its shareholders; and (4) its customers. The challenges facing Oracle to make this takeover deal successful are also highlighted. The case is structured to encourage students to: (1) examine the reasons that led Oracle, one of the world?s leading software companies to acquire PeopleSoft; (2) gain insights into the global enterprise application software (EAS) industry; (3) study the defence strategies adopted by PeopleSoft to thwart Oracle?s hostile takeover; (4) analyse the synergies of the Oracle-PeopleSoft merger deal; (5) analyse the role of PeopleSoft?s board in the takeover battle; and (6) study the benefits to Oracle and PeopleSoft from the takeover deal. The case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students as part of the strategy and general management curriculum.