Great Plains Energy to Acquire Aquila with CEO Links

After receiving the necessary federal approval, Great Plains Energy is set to make the $2.6 billion acquisition of Aquila Inc (see article from Yahoo! Finance). An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map illustrates the relationships that may have motivated and facilitated the deal.

Two of the most significant connections are through Richard C. Green (Chairman and CEO of Aquila). Green is the Chairman of the Midwest Research Institute, where Michael J. Chesser (Chairman and CEO of Great Plains) is a member of the board of trustees. As heads of the companies involved in the deal, Green and Chesser have likely capitalized on their relationship through the Midwest Research Institute to plan the acquisition.

Green can also be connected to another Great Plains Executive, Michael L. Deggebdorf (VP, Public Affairs of Great Plains). Deggebdorf was previously the VP of Market Services at UtiliCorp, which became Aquila Inc in 2002. Aquila had previously been a subsidiary of UtiliCorp, with Green serving as Head of the Company since 1996, so it is reasonable to assume that he is acquainted with Deggebdorf. In light of the proposed takeover, Green and Deggebdorf may also have been in touch to consider 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=0896c695-be61-4ee7-90d9-c5cfe4375d78