Barrick Denies Newmont Takeover Rumors, Though Common Connections Keeps the Buzz Going

Despite the efforts of Barrick Gold Corp’s reps to deny plans of a partnership with Newmont Mining Corp, rumors continue to circulate that a deal could be in the works (see article from The Wall Street Journal). To look further into the validity of the rumors, we created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Barrick’s ties to Newmont.

As shown in the Knowledge Map here, common connections between the companies are present and could be useful in forming an agreement. For example, one of Barrick’s Directors, J. Brett Harvey, can be linked to Newmont’s CEO, Richard T. O’Brien. Both served together as executives of Pacificorp between 1993 and 1998, so it is likely that they are well acquainted.

Another noteworthy relationship is shared between Gustavo A. Cisneros (Director at Barrick) and Leo Higdon (Director at Newmont until 2006). The two are connected through Babson College, where Cisneros is a Member of the Board of Overseers and Higdon served as President until 2001.

We cannot say whether or not Barrick and Newmont will ever form a partnership, but in the event that either decides to consider the possibility, they are not at a loss of common connections to facilitate a deal.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=e2d47d84-0b06-45b8-b72a-14515138e874