The Anglo File: Even Autonomy's Offering Depends on Market Conditions

LONDON -- Autonomy Corporation (AUTN Quote) is hoping there will be no scares this Halloween when it lists a secondary offering of shares on the London Stock Exchange.

However, in today's turbulent times, even a much-loved software company like Autonomy can't be certain. In an attempt to ensure nothing untoward happens, the firm is announcing contracts and making strenuous efforts to counter recent criticisms about the offering.

On the face of it, Autonomy shouldn't have too much trouble finding buyers for the 6.6 million of existing shares it's putting on the market next week. While everything was falling around it on Wednesday, Autonomy managed to rise 2.9% to $49.50 on the back of an announcement that the company is expanding into Japan through an agreement with NTT Software. The shares were trading unchanged on Thursday. ...