Shares of Netherlands-based software provider Unit4 increased to as much as 17% since October 2008. At 10:06 am, the increase lowered to 14% at EUR 33.30. This placed the value of the firm to EUR 989 million or USD 1.3 billion. The jump occurred after Unit4 said it received approaches from private equity firms. They offered up to EUR 1 billion or USD 1.4 billion for the software company.

In an emailed statement to Bloomberg, Unit4 said, "Following these approaches, Unit4 has engaged in exploratory discussions. There is no certainty that these discussions will lead to a public offer being made." The company said the private equity firms offered up to EUR 35 per Unit4 share.

SNS Securities gave a sell recommendation for Unit4 after the takeover interest was announced. SNS Securities analyst Martijn den Drijver said, "Assuming that an undisclosed private equity party pays 35 euros per share, we feel that shareholders should accept that offer."