Carl Icahn revealed an increased stake in BEA Systems, Inc. (NDAQ:BEAS) in a Schedule 13D/A filing with the SEC today. The news comes amid a push from the activist investor towards a sale of the company, despite hefty opposition from executives.

Icahn increased his holdings to 43.3 million shares, or 11.05%, from 38.72 million, or 9.88% in September. His holdings also include call options to purchase BEA shares, which are presumably reserved incase a proxy battle results from this conflict when he could exercise the shares for increased voting control.

Mr. Icahn said in past filings that he believes that a sale of the company to a strategic acquirer will maximize the price of the shares. The billionaire investor also said he was seeking talks with management to discuss possibilities of a deal and said he may seek to nominate members for election to the Board of Directors.

In the end, this is great news for shareholders as any sale of the company would likely result in a substantial premium being paid. Icahn also has an impressive trackrecord of success with all the companies that he has been involved with. Combined, these factors make BEAS a stock worth watching!

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