Federal trade officials have made a second request for information from U.S. Robotics Corp. in its proposed acquisition of rival computer modem-maker Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc., industry sources said.
Industry analysts said Tuesday they weren’t surprised by the request for data under the antitrust authority of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. U.S. Robotics, based in Skokie, has about 35 percent of the modem market, and Hayes has about 18 percent, according to International Data Corp., a market-research firm.
When combined market shares climb above 50 percent, regulators take a hard look at a deal, analysts said. One source described the request, filed Nov. 30, as extensive.
A U.S. Robotics spokeswoman couldn’t be reached for comment. A Hayes spokesman said the company had no comment. The FTC also declined to comment.
In October, U.S. Robotics offered to buy Atlanta-based Hayes for about $97.5 million in Robotics stock and $85 million in creditor claims, topping an offer from Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc. of San Jose, Calif.
Hayes, which is seeking to emerge from bankruptcy protection, has opted to try to remain independent. Earlier this week, the company announced it had completed an $85 million funding package that includes equity investments from two companies. Hayes said the package will allow it to satisfy its plan of reorganization.
