By 2008, H-P stock had actually risen 163%, prompting some spirited defense of the transaction.

FORBES: Will the Real H-P Please Stand Up?

Act surprised as H-P's stock plunges more than 40%.

WSJ: H-P's One-Year Plan

However, despite the market's recent surge, it is noticeable that two big-company stocks have recently attracted takeover bids at significant premiums to their stock prices: H.

WSJ: Upside: The Small-Cap Stock Trap