SPX and Johnson Complete Division Sale with Notable Relationships

SPX announced earlier today that it had completed its $43.7 million acquisition of Johnson Controls Inc.’s European diagnostics division (see article from Yahoo! Finance). An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map illustrates the key connections between SPX and Johnson that may have lead to this deal.

An important connection, as shown in this Knowledge Map, is shared between Michael J. Mancuso (Director of SPX) and James H. Keyes (Former CEO/Chairman of Johnson). The two are linked through LSI Logic Corp, where both serve as Directors. It is likely that SPX was able to take advantage of strong tie to Johnson to formulate the purchase agreement.

Another noteworthy connection links Sharon K. Jenkins (Chief Marketing Officer of SPX) and Robert L. Barnett (Director at Johnson). Jenkins and Barnett served in Senior Executive positions at Motorola during overlapping years. From this connection, the possibility exists that the two had been in contact to discuss the deal between SPX and Johnson.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only):  http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=46ba2ee3-d321-4169-b7c2-a11fb53cda2e

Connections Suggest Microsoft and Motorola as Potential RIM Buyers

Speculation is surfacing that Research in Motion, the maker of BlackBerry, could be the target of a takeover by Microsoft Corp. Motorola is also rumored to be a possible buyer (see article from Reuters). In order to determine how RIM’s connections may affect the outcome of a deal, we mapped the company’s relationships to both Microsoft and Motorola. The results may give RIM room to be picky at the presence of takeover interest.

In this first IntellectSpace Knowledge Map illustrating RIM’s ties to Microsoft, we can see that Robin Bienfait (Chief Information Officer of RIM) and John Wetmore (Director of RIM) share numerous connections to numerous past and present Executives and Directors at Microsoft. One of the more noteworthy connections links Bienfait to Charles Noski (Director at Microsoft). Bienfait and Noski previously held Executive positions at the same time at AT&T. Microsoft could take advantage of this relationship in pursuing RIM.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=5343f534-9f36-4b42-9d19-6f86c13ea9b0

Motorola also seems to have a fair shot at securing a deal with RIM. David Dorman (Director of Motorola) can also be linked to Bienfait through AT&T, where he served as the CEO/Chairman from 2000 to 2005. Beinfait was with AT&T until 2006, so it is likely that the two are well acquainted.

These connections could be useful not only for Microsoft and Motorola in trying to work a deal, but they may also allow RIM some flexibility in choosing its buyer.

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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.

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Valuable Relationships Help Rio Tinto Acquire Alcan

In a deal valued at more than $38 billion, mining company Rio Tinto PLC has achieved the necessary loans to acquire Alcan Inc (see article from Yahoo! Finance). An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the ties between the companies reveals the common connections that may facilitate the transition.

After reviewing the Knowledge Map, we identified a significant relationship between Vivienne Cox (Director of Rio Tinto) and Cynthia B. Carroll through BP PLC. Carroll was with Alcan for 18 years until 2007 and her responsibilities revolved around mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures. Cox is an Executive Vice President and Member of the Group Chief Executive’s Committee and Carroll is a Director at BP. Carroll’s experience with Alcan should prove extremely valuable in this deal.

Other noteworthy connections are shared between Oscar Groeneveld (Product Group CEO at Rio Tinto) and D. Travis Engen (former Alcan Director) through the International Aluminum Institute as well as Andrew Vickerman’s (Product Group CEO at Rio Tinto) ties to L Yves Fortier (Director of Alcan) through the UN.

Based on these relationships, we predict a smooth transition in Rio Tinto’s acquisition of Alcan.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=6b2fc0f2-c5cc-4864-be06-0eb3dd94ac85

Connections Could Prove Valuable as P&G Sues Kraft

Procter & Gamble is suing Kraft Foods, claiming that the new plastic container for Kraft’s Maxwell House coffee violates the patent rights of P&G’s Folgers coffee container (see article from Wall Street Journal Law Blog). We decided to create an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the connections between Kraft and P&G to see if any relationships exist that will aid either side in this legal battle.

An initial mapping of all of the past and current ties between the companies yielded numerous connections, so we narrowed our search to highlight some of the more noteworthy ties between some of the past and current Executives and Directors of both companies and found some interesting links. Mark D. Ketchum is shown to be directly connected to both Kraft and P&G, as he is now a Kraft Director and previously held leadership positions with P&G for 33 years until 2004. Ketchum’s longtime insider experience at P&G could prove useful for Kraft in forming a defense against the charges.

Two individuals that might have the opportunity to confer about this latest development are Ajay Banga (Director at Kraft) and James M. Kilts (Director at P&G). Both are connected through Citigroup, where Banga is currently the Co-Chairman/CEO of Citigroup’s Global Consumer Group International business and Kilts has served as a member of the company’s International Advisory Board. From this link through Citigroup, it is likely that the two are well acquainted. The relationship could become useful for either company involved in this lawsuit as a source of information about the other.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=524f8848-2212-4137-b6cc-0f519b4c0579

Key Connection Helps Flextronics to Acquire Solectron

In a deal valued at $3.6 billion, Flextronics International Ltd gained permission from the European Commission to acquire Solectron Corp (see article from Reuters). An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map reveals the direct connection that may have lead to the merging of these electronics rivals.

As seen in the Knowledge Map below, Ajay B. Shah has been a Flextronics Director since 2005 and is strongly linked to Solectron; he was previously a Director of Solectron until 2003, and was the Head of its Technology Solutions business until 2002. Shah is also presently the Founder and Chairman of Smart Modular Technologies, which was previously owned by Solectron. Another former Solectron Executive, Iain MacKenzie, sits on the board of Smart Modular with Shah.

With Shah’s solid ties to Solectron and valuable insider experience, Flextronics had a key advantage with this latest bid.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=22e6cec8-7338-4953-901f-d3e4a9229391

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

Berkshire Ups Stake in BNSF, and May Consider a Takeover

Warren E. Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has increased its stake in Burlington Northern Santa Fe with the purchase of 10 million additional shares, now owning nearly 15 percent of the railroad company (see article from DealBook). Is an acquisition on the horizon for the infamous investor? We decided to find out what connections (other than company ownership) Berkshire has with BNSF through the creation of an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map. The relationships found suggest that Buffet and Berkshire may be inching toward a takeover.

The first thing we noticed after generating the Knowledge Map was Walter Scott Jr.’s (Director of Berkshire) numerous links to BNSF. He is currently a director at Burlington Resources, which is a spin-off company of BNSF. Also, he has multiple ties to Michael B. Yanney, who was a director at BNSF until 2005. These connections could prove useful as Berkshire strengthens its hold on the company.

Another significant connection is shared between Ronald L. Olson (Director of Berkshire) and Vilma S. Martinez (Director of BNSF). Both are longtime Partners at the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. It is likely that the two are well acquainted after being at the firm together for almost three decades. This could be another relationship that Buffet may use to his advantage if he has his sights set on BNSF.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=13285cce-0e6d-4c0b-9af2-9307bce3e232

Former Heads of Nucor and Magnatrax May Have Led Deal

Earlier today Nucor Corporation announced that it had completed its acquisition of Magnatrax Corporation for $280 million (see article from Reuters). After quickly creating an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the ties between the companies, we found that the former Chairmen of both companies are linked through National Service Industries. Peter C. Browning is now the Lead Director of Nucor, and previously served as the Company’s Chairman and Michael Z. Kay held the same board position at Magnatrax between 2001 and 2004. Browning and Kay were Directors around the same time at National Service Industries between 2001 and 2002, so it is likely that they know each other. This relationship may have been what sparked Nucor’s interest in Magnatrax, and also what helped close the sale.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=6e485a43-9766-4186-b54c-ce8fb04e3896

To further support the connection between Browning and Kay, we have included a second Knowledge Map of their circular relationships. One individual that strongly serves to tie the two is James S. Balloun. Kay and Balloun serve together as Directors on the board of Radiant Systems. Balloun can then be linked to Browning through Wachovia and AcuityBrands as well as National Service Industries. If Balloun is currently in contact with both Browning and Kay through these various corporate affiliations, then the fact that relationships came in to play during talks of a deal between Nucor and Magnatrax seem all the more likely.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=a910e799-5d48-45c3-a8e9-226aebdb0e51

Director Ties Connect Goldman Sachs to Tiffany

Goldman Sachs is expanding its scope to Japan, where it has agreed to purchase Tiffany and Co’s Tokyo store for $318 million (see article from Reuters). We created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the common connections between Goldman and Tiffany’s to try to discover what may have sparked this deal. After exploring the Knowledge Map, we discovered key relationships that may have helped Goldman to land this hot property.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=e4e6545e-f1e8-4c33-973b-3f62e7bea757

A first strong tie links Abby F. Kohnstamm (a Tiffany’s Director), to Charles A. Davis (Goldman’s former Head of Investment Banking). Davis was with Goldman for 23 years until 1998, and knows Kohnstamm through Progressive, where they both currently serve as Directors. Given the many years Davis served at Goldman as a senior executive, he likely still has strong ties to the company’s current leadership team, who would have found this relationship particularly advantageous in securing a deal with Tiffany’s.

The Knowledge Map also shows that William A. Shutzer (a Tiffany’s Director) has numerous connections to people at Goldman. Shutzer shares a noteworthy relationship through Fortress Investment Group, where he previously served as Director. Peter L. Brigar Jr, who served as Partner and spent 15 years at Goldman, joined Fortress in 2002 and is now a Director at Fortress. Shutzer must know Brigar through overlapping board memberships at Fortress, which could then be useful for Goldman’s bid for Tiffany’s Tokyo store.

JPM and Bank of America May Consider an Acquisition of Bear Stearns

In an article that we wrote yesterday, we wrote about how HSBC Holdings was considered as one of the potential buyers of Bear Stearns.  Since the list of suitors doesn’t stop with HSBC, we decided to also map the connections between Bear Stearns and JP Morgan and Bank of America, respectively (see Wall Street Journal).

JP Morgan can be considered a contender for many reasons, but its ties with Bear Stearns can amplify their advantage.  Jeffrey Lane was recently named the replacement for the Head of Asset Management at Bear Stearns to recover two fledgling hedge funds; the previous Executive had made bad bets on risky mortgages that caused the funds to flounder.  Lane served with Jamie Dimon (CEO of JP Morgan since Dec 2006) as Directors at Citigroup from 1991-1996.  Lane also served with Heidi Miller (Executive VP since JP Morgan and Bank One merger) at Citigroup in 1995-1996.  Another connection is between Frederic Salerno (Director of Bear Stearns since 1993) and Walter Shipley (former.  They served together at Verizon from 1997-2001 where Shipley was the CFO (Bell Atlantic and GTE merger to form Verizon).  Even though Walter Shipley is no longer at JP Morgan, he still more then likely has many ties there as he served as Chairman and CEO of Chemical Bank and then Chase Manhattan Bank spanning from 1983-1992, and again for a second stint at the Company from 1994-1999.

Click here for an interactive version of this Intellect Space Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=6b10bfa9-f74a-4597-81d4-4857c50122de

Bank of America also has many ties to Bear Stearns.  We again note Frederic Salerno (Bear Stearns Board since 93’), but this time with his ties with Gary Countryman (Director at Bank of America) and Charles Gifford (Director at Bank of America, and former CEO of Fleet Boston Financial which later merged with Bank of America).  These ties come through CBS where they all served as Directors at the same time.  Paul Lattanzo, who is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Bear Stearns Growth Capital Partners private equity group also has connections with a Director at Bank of America, Jackie Ward.  This relationship comes through their time spent as Managing Directors at United Dominion.  One last connection to be noted is Paul Lattanzo’s relationship with Lewis Coleman, who spent a decade at Bank of America, some of which was spent as CFO.  These two have ties from their days at Nationsbanc Montgomery Securities.

Click here for an interactive version of this Intellect Space Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=efa5ef28-f721-4b6d-9ba3-9dec1c55562f

Goldman Sachs Relationships Tie Lord John Browne to Riverstone

After a long tenure as CEO at BP, Lord John Browne called it quits and soon thereafter was hired by Riverstone, an energy focused private equity firm that was founded by former Goldman Sachs Executives (see Dealbook ).  We decided to create an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Lord Browne’s connections to Riverstone to see what relationships may have joined them togehter, as well as Browne’s many other connections. 

As seen in the IntellectSpace Knowledge Map below, two of the co-founders and a private investor/member at Riverstone also served at Goldman Sachs.  Pierre F Lapeyre Jr is a co-founder and Senior Managing Director at Riverstone, and served at Goldman Sachs from 1986 to 2000, acting as the Managing Director of Goldman Global Energy and Power during the last four years of his tenure with the firm.  David M Leuschen is also a co-founder and Senior Managing Director of Riverstone.  Like Mr. Lapeyre, he served at Goldman’s Global energy and Power Group from 1977-2000.  This time spent at Goldman Sachs energy sector overlaps with John Browne’s tenure as a Director of GS.

Given these common connections, there’s no doubt in our minds that one or more of these relationship were at work in this big career move for Lord Browne.

Click here for an interactive version of this Intellect Space Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=9794a351-f72f-427c-b70a-840d25ea42c1

Click here for an interactive version of this Intellect Space Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only):  http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=917bec35-8c27-44b9-9618-4fc14f456deb

Bear Stearns Looks for Potential Buyer

Wall Street’s abuzz with the rumor that Bear Stearns is looking for a buyer.  The list of potential buyers include HSBC Holding, Bank of America, and JP Morgan (see Wall Street Journal).  We created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the connections between Bear Stearns and HSBC Holding in order to better predict the outcome of this rumor. 

One key connection we identified is between Willliam F Aldinger (former Deputy Chairman and CEO of HSBC North America Holdings) who serves as a Director of KKR alongside George R Roberts and Tracy Lynn Collins.  Tracy Lynn Collins acted as the Senior Managing Director at Bear Stears at one point, and George R Roberts pioneered the use of leverage in acquisitions at Bear Stearns.  Both are still likely to have deep connections with Bear Stearns. While none of these ties are current to our target companies, they can likely influence the deal - assuming their ties to these target companies are still strong.

Another example would be Douglas Korn (a Bear Stearns’ Senior Managing Director) and JJ Studzinski (HSBC Holdings Group Managing Director) both spent time at Morgan Stanley.

Feel free to explore others by clicking on the Knowledge Map and viewing them for yourself.

Click here for an interactive version of this Intellect Space Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browser only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=453eb395-aef0-4363-b457-a995a444da9e

Maurice Greenberg and Eli Broad Connections

After receiving $3 billion dollars in cash from different investors, Goldman Sachs Group Inc’s Global Equity hedge fund rose 12 percent last week.  Among the different people infusing money into their assets were Maurice Greenberg (former Chairman of American International Group) and billionaire Eli Broad (see Bloomberg).  Since Maurice Greenberg was a big part of Goldman’s Global Equity Opportunities hedge fund rebounding from its 30 percent hit in August, we decided to create an Intellect Space Knowledge Map of Maurice Greenberg and his connections with entities he has been a part of, both past and present.  A second Knowledge Map was created to show Eli Broad’s connections with AIG and its subsidiary SunAmerica

As you can see on this Knowledge Map, Maurice Greenberg does have past connections with a variety of different companies.  One to note is that of the insurance giant AIG, where he previously served as the CEO and Chairman.  He then took this experience and brought it over to insurance and financial company C.V. Starr where he currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only):

http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=2f023d9f-06a6-46d4-98bf-e2cc70dd00d4

A second IntellectSpace Knowledge Map was created in order to map the connections of Eli Broad, one of the other investors that helped Goldman’s hedge fund double its assets..  As it turns out, Broad served as SunAmerica CEO (which is an AIG subsidiary), and served with Jay S Wintrob who has connections with Maurice R. Greenberg.  Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only):

http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=3f553c42-d55d-419a-8af2-3ce0041bdc73

Wal-Mart Allowing H&R Block In House Tax Service

Wal-Mart can add one more service they provide in house, tax preparation. H&R Block has agreed to allow in house tax professionals work in Wal-Mart stores (see article from Yahoo)

As we can see above, J. Paul Reason was a Director at Wal-Mart, and during that time he also served (and still serves) as a Director at Amgen with current H&R Director Jerry Choate. Also Mar Ernst (H&R Director) and James I Cash (Wal-Mart Director) had both served on the board of Knight Ridder before it was bought out.

Given these past connections, we believe H&R Block and Wal-Mart have likely struck a great deal, and should have a solid relationship for at least the duration of the aforementioned Directors’ tenures.

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E*Trade and Ameritrade May Seek Merger

There have been serious discussion about the merger between the two powerhouse online brokerages Ameritrade Holding Corp and E*Trade Financial Corp.  Although many analysts deem this deal unlikely, such a deal would immensely shake up this industry (Reuters).  We decided to create an Intellect Space Knowledge Map that illustrates some connections that may help push the deal forward.

After viewing the Knowledge Map, we find that Joseph H. Moglia (current Ameritrade CEO) and Cathleen Raffaeli (current E*Trade CEO) may have crossed paths while serving as Executives at Merrill Lynch; they overlapped at the Company  from 1983 to 1988.  Another person who could influence this deal is Mr. Chochon, who is the Managing Director of Finance at Ameritrade, and previously served as Chief Financial Officer at E*trade.

There are a number of other interesting relationships involved in this Knowledge Map, so we encourage you to click on the image of the Knowledge Map, and interact with it yourself.  To learn more about any relationship in question, hover over the color-coded lines, and double-click on them to view the supporting sources.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer Browsers only):  http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=d93dd57a-9efa-4c65-be5d-305dc7c74a72

Berkshire Hathaway Interested in Countrywide

Rumors are going around about famous billionaire investor Warren Buffett looking into buying the struggling mortgage lender Countrywide. With Countrywide shares down to half their value this year, it could be great timing for Berkshire Hathaway to make a move (see article - CNBC.com). We decided to look at the connections between the two companies, and created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map to see who might have the inside scoop for Buffett’s company.

After generating this Knowledge Map we found that Ronald Olson (Berkshire Director) serves as Director with Jaynie Studenmund (Countrywide Director) at Western Asset Management. This could provide some insight as to how Mr. Buffett attained interest and information on Countrywide. Also, another current Berkshire Director, Donald Keough, was a previous Home Depot Director, along with Angelo Mozilo (Countrywide Director).

These connections could help explain why Berkshire Hathaway is going after Countrywide instead of another mortgage lender with a currently low stock price.

To view an interactive versioin of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map click here (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=439eff05-57a5-4304-b036-e29e034a3d69

Business Connections Could Drive Pfizer Deal With Wyeth

Recently an analyst recommended for Pfizer to purchase Wyeth, while Wyeth’s stock price is down - although the buyout of Wyeth could cost Pfizer up to $90 billion.   Analysts have said that because of the lack of overlap between the two companies, it is less likely that an anti-trust lawsuit will ensue. TheDeal.com We decided to create an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map to see what kind of overlap the two pharmaceutical heavyweights have in terms of business connections, in an effort to see how the deal may have developed, evaluate the likelihood of the deal closing, and the merger synergies that may exist with regards to human capital.

Being in the closely related field of pharmaceuticals, both companies Board of Directors have many opportunities outside of the business arena to connect. For example, Michael Brown (Pfizer Director) and Robert Langer Jr (Wyeth Director) are both members of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine, and Dennis Ausiello (Pfizer Director) and Frances Fergusson (Wyeth Director) are both fellows for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

This Knowledge Map also shows close corporate relations that could help expedite the acquisition process. We found that current Pfizer Director William Howell serves as Director of Exxon Mobil, along with current Wyeth Director Walter Shipley.  This key connection alone could facilitate the deal, and help to ease the integration process.

Click here to view an interaction versioin of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=8aca82ac-ae41-496c-b098-eb52cef7d5c9.

Viacom RealNetworks and Verizon Team up

Viacom, Verizon and RealNetworks Joint Venture to Challenge iTunes

MTV (owned by Viacom) has collaborated with RealNealnetworks and Verizon to create a joint digital online music service to rival iTunes. MTV will merge its digital music store Urge with RealNetworks' Rhapsody music subscription service in a joint venture called Rhapsody America
Verizon Wireless, a venture of Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group Plc, will become the exclusive wireless distributor for the joint venture's digital content. Reuters
We made an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map showing the connections between the companies in this deal, and found some interesting connections that could have played a big role in this collaboration. In this Knowledge Map we can see that Frederic Salerno (a Viacom Director ) previously served as CFO and a Director of Verizon. Additionally, Mr. Salerno serves as Director at Popular Inc and many of it’s subsidiaries, which on the Knowledge Map we can see this connects him to Richard Carrion - Popular’s Chairman & CEO, who currently serves as a Director for Verizon. Salerno’s strong ties were likely primarily responsible for the wireless brand to team up with in this multi-company deal

Click here for an interactive version of this intellectSpace Knowledge Map: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=e7d64023-056b-455b-a458-0e4c452c634d

Acxiom Buyout Looks Likely

MMI, a partial owner of Acxiom, has recently decided to allow the $3 billion buyout by Silver Lake Partners and ValueAct Capital to go through without a fight. Previously, MMI was planning to fight the deal, trying to force Acxiom to shop around for a higher offer. (Dealbook)

In order to get a better understanding of the influencers in this deal, we decided to build a few IntellectSpace Knowledge Maps. In the first Knowledge Map, Jeffrey Ubben is shown to be a founder of ValueAct and a Director at Acxiom, which points to him as the one to push this deal through.

Click here for an interactive version of this Intellectspace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=f3775126-a29b-4c85-9822-8e1af3d68796

In the second Knowledge Map, showing the common connections between Acxiom and Silver Lake Partners, Ubben shows up again; he and Michael Bingle (a current Director at Silver Lake) serve on the same board at Gartner. Also worth noting, three other former Gartner board members who served with Ubben at Gartner are three of the founders of Silver Lake Partners.

Click here to see an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=ca45a232-8d81-4653-8fdf-22a7740ac7f5

The last Knowledge Map shows Ubbens’s connections to other important players in this deal, including the ex-CFO of Catalina Marketing, Christopher Wolf, who currently serves as CFO of Axciom. Ubben himself is a Director of both companies.  This relationship could have helped to facilitate the deal in the first place.  It’s also worth noting that Peter H Kamin is very well connected to Ubben, and is shown as a co-founder of ValueAct Capital, as well as having ownership positions in Acxiom, Catalina Marketing, and Gartner, among many other corporations with which Ubben has had a relationship.

Microsoft’s Ballmer is Being Secretive About Yahoo! Intentions

In an interview with Steve Ballmer (Microsoft’s CEO) and John Chambers (Cisco’s CEO), the talk quickly swayed to the long standing question of Microsoft’s intensions with Yahoo!. Ballmer became extremely vague in answering the Yahoo! related questions, especially about a Microsoft buyout of Yahoo!, only stating that it would be “an expensive acquisition to make.” LA Times

To see if anyone at either company could facilitate this massive deal, we decided to quickly put together an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map, identifying the common connections between the two entities. This Knowledge Map of current Executives and Directors at each company reveals a couple noteworthy connections. First, and most notable, is Charles Noski’s connection to Ray Bostock at Yahoo!; Noski is currently a Director at both Microsoft and Morgan Stanley. Bostock also happens to be a Morgan Stanley Director and a Director at Yahoo!. As Directors on a common board, they must know each other quite well, and could help along negotiations between the two companies – and Morgan Stanley would definitely be advising on this deal.

The other notable relationship shown here is the former Microsoft Executive Mary Winderotter, who now is a Director at Yahoo!. Winderotter left Microsoft in 2004, which tells us that she is recent enough to still know nearly the entire Microsoft team.

Click here for an initeractive version on this knowledge map: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=23e024a1-1fd7-4822-a7c7-23fe125b1daa 

Steve Schwarzman’s Business Connections, Past and Present

Blackstone Founder, Stephen Schwarzman, has become a daily fixture in financial publications. Even the New York Times Dealbook contains a daily tracker of his personal wealth titled ‘How Much is Steve Worth Today?’ (See Dealbook). To go along with an already steady stream of nearly daily Blackstone headlines, we thought it would be interesting to create a Knowledge Map of Mr. Schwarzman’s current and past board member affiliations, and include only those board members who served near or at the same time period as him. We then created a second Knowledge Map showing companies where Schwarzman has either served as an Executive or Director, has or had ownership positions, as well as his list of non-corporate affiliations.

In the first Knowledge Ma,p the diversity and sheer number of Steve Schwarzman’s personal investments is clearly illustrated. This map shows the many sectors of the market Schwarzman has invested in, the various types of companies he has helped to lead, and  his many non-corporate affiliations - which convey his deep roots in New York City. By clicking on the Knowledge Map connections you can view when he owned and worked with different companies and organizations.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace knowledge map (Internet Explorer browser only): http://fn.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=6e89b73b-3645-44f5-8aa0-408a9a8c4e53

The second Knowledge Map is a two degree board member analysis, showing where Steve Schwarzman has ever served as a board member, as well as those professionals who served on those same companies’ boards during his tenure at each company. In essence, this Knowledge Map presents all of the professionals that Schwarzman has worked with, some of which he picked up to join him at Blackstone - such as Howard Lipson and David Stockman (as shown in this Knowledge Map).

Click here for an initeractive version of this IntellectSpace knowledge map (Internet Explorer browser only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=ad8d8a63-cdae-4a6f-9361-2af6d6819e95

AIG Secures 21st Century Insurance Takeover with Direct Connections

American International Group is set to acquire 21st Century Insurance Group, pending a September vote by the shareholders of 21st Century (see article from Reuters). In order to possibly predict the outcome of the vote, we created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the ties between the companies. The results leave us questioning whether a shareholder vote is even necessary.

AIG currently has a number of its top executives on the board of 21st Century, which explains its majority stake. This Knowledge Map reveals how AIG has been quietly gaining control of 21st Century’s board for over a decade, beginning in 1994 with addition of AIG Executive Vice President, Robert M. Sandler; Sandler now serves as the Chairman of the Board of 21st Century. Since Sandler’s first appointment, no less than six other AIG executives have joined 21st Century’s board. Two of these individuals, Jeffrey Hayman (AIG Regional President), and Steven J. Besinger (AIG EVP/CFO), joined the 21st Century board in 2002 and 2005, respectively, and are currently serving at both companies simultaneously.

These direct connections should be advantageous for AIG in not only securing the takeover, but also to execute a smooth transition.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=83d58f6b-2fe9-4e35-a28e-129f17543337

PepsiCo Ties to Kraft May Spark a Deal

Kraft Foods is looking for a buyer of its Post cereals business, and PepsiCo is rumored to be one of the likely parties to make an offer (see article from DealBook). An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map reveals that due to some important common connections, this rumor may soon become a reality.

The tie between the companies that suggests a strong purchasing advantage for PepsiCo is Irene B. Rosenfeld, CEO and Chairperson of Kraft. Prior to her latest stint at Kraft, Rosenfeld was the CEO/Chair of Frito-Lay, which is a division of PepsiCo. Her connections to each company should allow for a smooth transition into a sale.

Another set of relationships to facilitate a deal surrounds Ajay Banga, a Director at Kraft. Banga likely knows Franklin A. Thomas, who recently retired from the board of PepsiCo. The two are currently connected through Citigroup, where Thomas has been a director since 1970 and Banga is head of the company’s Global Consumer group. Banga is also connected to Arthur C. Martinez, a current PepsiCo board member. Both have been actively involved with the National Urban League in recent years, so it’s possible that the two are acquainted. In addition to Rosenfeld’s direct ties to both companies, these relationships may serve to secure a deal between Kraft and PepsiCo.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=89552291-8d2a-4a8c-a4a1-2fb3bec2f7eb

Patton Boggs Attracts Microsoft as New Client, Possibly with Help of Common Connection

Microsoft is on edge over Google’s acquisition of DoubleClick and has hired Patton Boggs LLP to lobby an investigation of the deal’s implications in consumer privacy and online ad competition (see article from Yahoo! Finance). We created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the ties between Microsoft and Patton to determine how relationships affected the law firm’s ability to land such a high profile client.

As illustrated on the Knowledge Map, a number of ties are present between Microsoft and Patton, however a current connection exists that might have been significant in forming this partnership. Rodney E. Slater (Partner at Patton) is currently Senior Vice President at GlobalOptions Group, where Daniel Burstein serves as a Director. Throughout his career, Burstein has served as a consultant to many of the world’s largest companies, including Microsoft. It is not unlikely that the two have conversed about Microsoft’s desire to challenge Google. If so, this connection may have proven useful for Patton in attracting Microsoft as a client.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=f0689f91-f0a4-4d2a-973d-c54b3660c4b7

Sara Lee Sees Growth with CEO Barnes

Sara Lee Corp has been experiencing remarkable growth in recent months, which analysts are attributing to the CEO/Chairperson of the company, Brenda C. Barnes. Beginning in 2005, Barnes instituted a plan to revamp the Sara Lee, and it is appears her efforts are paying off (see article from The Wall Street Journal). We decided to create an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Barnes’ past and current ties to try to get a better idea of how her connections may have been valuable to Sara Lee’s recent success.

As shown on first Knowledge Map, Barnes has numerous past and current connections, any of which she may use to her advantage in promoting growth for Sara Lee. A particular tie worth elaborating is her current board membership at The New York Times Company. The second Knowledge Map shows the present board members at New York Times and some of their other current board and executive affiliations. Many of these Directors are powerful players in the business world make worthy acquaintances for business strategy. Some of these valuable contacts include James Kilts and William Kennard, who are shown to have numerous ties to such companies as Proctor & Gamble, MetLife, and Insight Communications. If Barnes felt that Sara Lee could benefit from the services of any of these companies, she need only ask her fellow board members. Barnes’ connections through such companies as New York Times give her access to a wealth of people and information that can then be advantageous for those businesses with which she is currently involved.

Click here for an interactive version of these intellectSpace Knowledge Maps (Internet Explorer browsers only):

Brenda Barnes: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=9320dd5c-cc4c-40e0-95b6-f5b6ef8663a8

New York Times: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=73e26bbc-a8f6-4122-a4a7-eeec5296c50b

Vornado Realty Helps Merrill Lynch Find New Headquarters

Rumors are circulating that Merrill Lynch is considering relocating is headquarters in New York from Lower Manhattan to Midtown. Reactions are mixed, but apparently a deal is already underway with Vornado Realty Trust for a site near Madison Square Garden (see article from DealBook). After constructing an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the ties between Merrill Lynch and Vornado, we discovered a few connections that may become useful in facilitating the move.

As displayed on this Knowledge Map, Richard West, a director at Vornado, shares a number of ties to Merrill Lynch. Aside from his connections to many past Merrill Lynch executives, West currently serves a director of numerous investment companies managed by Merrill Lynch, so it is likely that he is well acquainted with the company’s senior leaders.

Another noteworthy connection is shared between Gregory J. Attorri (Former Managing Director of Merrill Lynch) and Michael Lynne (Director of Vornado). Both served together as directors of Time Warner Telecom until Lynne resigned from the board in February 2007. It is possible that the two have discussed the possibility of Merrill Lynch’s interest in a move, with the help of Vornado.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=dcca22aa-59f8-4744-a1ac-e7e82ac80678

Aided by CEO Ties, Vulcan and Florida Rock Agree to Merger

Earlier today, Florida Rock Industries announced that its shareholders have approved a merger bid by Vulcan Materials (see article from Yahoo! Finance). With a 99.8% vote for approval of the merger, we su