Last year, 3Com got all excited about an acquisition by investment firm Bain Capital but as time went on, it seemed less likely that the deal would take place. Ultimately, Bain reconsidered and the deal fell through. On the 3Com side, however, the merger had been approved which got them angry enough to demand a $66 million fine for Bain's transgressions.

3Com's assertion is that the termination of the merger was in violation of their agreement, and has hurt 3Com's business to such a degree that they need to be compensated. Sort of like alimony, but between two behemoth corporations. In any case, it leaves the future of 3Com up in the air, as the company was already having difficulty staying afloat.