Dilbert cartoon first published on Thursday 16th May 1996

Dilbert//2588, first published thirty years ago on Thursday 16th May 1996

Tags

access due dilogence information maniacal laughter merger phase proprietary

Official transcript

The Boss sits across from two men from the buying company who are sitting on a couch. One man says, "In the 'due diligence' phase of our merger you will give us access to all of your proprietary information."

The Boss asks, "Wouldn't that let you know how to crush us competitively? Couldn't you cancel the merger and take our customers without paying a cent?"

As the two men struggle to control themselves, they think, "Must . . . contain maniacal . . . laugh . . ."

originally published on dilbert.com

Open source transcript

IN THE "DUE DILIGENCE" PHASE OF OUR MERGER YOU WILL GIVE US ACCESS TO ALL OF YOUR PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.

WOULDN'T THAT LET YOU KNOW HOW TO CRUSH US COMPETITIVELY?

COULDN'T YOU CANCEL THE MERGER AND TAKE OUR CUSTOMERS WITHOUT PAYING A CENT ?

MUST... CONTAIN MANIACAL LAUGH

collated from github.com/jvarn/dilbert-archive

AI Analysis

Comic Strip Title: "Merger Mayhem"

Summary:

The comic strip, originally published in 1996, depicts a humorous scene of a company's merger. The storyline unfolds as follows:

• The first panel shows a group of businessmen discussing the merger, with one of them stating, "In the 'Due Diligence' phase of our merger, you will give us access to all of your proprietary information."
• The second panel reveals that the company is being asked to provide sensitive information, including how to crush their competitors, cancel the merger, and take their customers without paying a cent.
• The third panel shows one of the businessmen responding with a sarcastic comment, "Must... contain maniacal laugh..." while the others seem unimpressed.

Key Takeaways:

• The comic strip pokes fun at the often-complex and competitive nature of business mergers.
• It highlights the importance of due diligence in ensuring a smooth transition and protecting sensitive information.
• The use of humor and satire adds a lighthearted touch to the typically serious topic of mergers and acquisitions.

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