Through The Fly's Eyes: CNBC

from Theflyonthewall.com








Jim Goldman Sauced By His Source?

Jim Goldman, CNBC's Silicon Valley Bureau Chief, apparently laid a big egg.

Palm Inc (PALM), according to his shareholder source, was going to be acquired by Motorola (MOT) for $25 per share, Goldman reported in a CNBC exclusive yesterday.

Ed Zander, Motorola's CEO, backed out of a speaking engagement for the CTIA Wireless conference and rumors had been floating around for weeks that Palm was soon to be sold. More and more information pointed to Motorola as the likely acquirer.

However, Zander said last night during Motorola's conference call that he backed out of the speaking engagement for family reasons (it did come across as legit). Also, the naysayers for a Motorola deal came out screaming that there was little strategic fit.

Goldman's source said a Palm deal would be announced by Friday. Another Internet site, Unstrung.com reported a Palm deal was to be announced by today. We will have to see if Unstrung.com is also being strung along.

Stay tuned to CNBC to see how Goldman covers his tracks. One could imagine Goldman had a serious conversation with the source before going on the air today.