A Coup within Microsoft
It would appear that a few of Microsoft’s board members are trying to further push Bill Gates away from the company he helped create. Three of the investors believe that if Gates were to remain chairman then it would hinder the adoption of new strategies and limit the power of any new CEO.
The three investors, whose identities have been kept anonymous, currently hold 5% of the company’s stock, while Bill Gates owns about 4.5% and is the company’s largest shareholder.
Last August, current CEO Steve Ballmer said he would retire within 12 months. Microsoft has indicated that despite this they would continue forward with Ballmer’s strategy of releasing a new device – Surface Tablet, Xbox – as well as providing crucial services online.
However, some believe that it would be best if the new CEO wasn’t bound by the same strategy, especially if a fresh approach would increase the company’s stock (which has remained stagnant for over a decade).
Microsoft is still currently one of the leading technology companies in the world, having made US$22 billion during the last fiscal year. However, companies like Apple Inc and Google Inc have caused Microsoft to lose the footing they once had over the market.
Most analysts indicate that ditching Bill Gates now would have a negative impact on the company rather than propelling it forward.
