Citrix Slide Brings Buyout Buzz

SAN FRANCISCO -- Days after hitting a 52-week low, it's no surprise that Citrix Systems(CTXS Quote) would start creating some buyout buzz.

On Tuesday, the stock climbed more than 7% amid rumors throughout the market that the company would be acquired, according to a research note by Avian Securities analyst Jeff Gaggin. (Shares gave back 21 cents on Wednesday to trade at $32.93.)

IBM(IBM Quote) and Cisco(CSCO Quote) are "being talked about as the buyers," Gaggin wrote. "[I] don't know if there is truth behind the rumors, but it does make sense," he added. Gaggin doesn't cover Citrix and Avian does not hold a position or make a market in its shares.

"If they are looking for a virtualization ... story, then Citrix is a good bet," Gaggin wrote. "We think Citrix has become a real threat to VMware(VMW Quote) because Citrix has strong virtualization management features." ...