Acquiring customers through takeovers.

Oracle's buy of Peoplesoft showed how far an acquirer will go to buy another company just for its large/attractive customer list.

Here are 2 tiny companies that fit a similar profile of having thousands of customers, but still remain under-appreciated.

- Actuate (ACTU): This business performance/analytics reporting software maker should now be in the crosshairs of Oracle, Business Objects or Computer Associates. The insider buying is also a supporting factor.

- LivePerson (LPSN): This provide of software to facilitate real-time web-based customer support is in a niche market and should make for an attractive target for the likes of Siebel or other customer service providers.

I own shares of both, and I remain a buyer at current prices.