Report: Lexmark has received initial bids for its software operations

Lexmark has received initial bids for its software operations, Bloomberg business news reported Wednesday.

Lexmark spokesman Jerry Grasso refused comment, saying the Lexington-based company “doesn’t comment on rumors or speculation.”

The company has maintained silence since last fall on what it may do to enhance shareholder value. The company is due to report its fourth quarter 2015 earnings on Feb. 23.

News of the alleged bids spurred Lexmark’s stock price, which was $28.68 a share, up $2.94, at the end of trading Wednesday.

Reuters reported in January that Lexmark was considering divesting its printer hardware and information software operations separately. The printer hardware and supplies operation has been considered the weaker of the two operations.

Lexmark had been on a buying run in the years leading up to the announcement of its exploration of strategic options on behalf of shareholders. As the company bought software companies, it planned to become a seamless provider of business information solutions and supplies.

Lexmark’s software operations include Perceptive Software, ReadSoft and Kofax. Lexmark’s $1 billion 2015 acquisition of California-based Kofax was the company’s biggest ever.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 2:09 PM with the headline "Report: Lexmark has received initial bids for its software operations."