Murdoch is Undeniable as Top Deal-Maker of 2007

As 2007, characterized by countless mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, hostile takeovers and credit turmoil, comes to a close, one individual can arguably be recognized as the year’s king of deal-making. Though his methods may have been controversial, Rupert Murdoch made big news during his highly publicized attempt at taking over Dow Jones; a difficult feat considering the company was controlled by the decidedly uncooperative Bancroft family. Credited by The New York Times DealBook as having once again achieved the impossible by purchasing “virtually the only asset in the world that wasn’t for sale,” Murdoch certainly proved his top ranking as the unofficial deal-maker of 2007 (see article by Andrew Ross Sorkin).

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Murdoch’s personal connections to major corporate entities and organizations, including certain family ties that may also prove to aid in his continued corporate triumphs.

A Glance Into The Steve Jobs Empire With An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map

This past year has been a good one for technology giant Apple Inc, which saw consumers scrambling for iPhones, iPods, MacBooks and all the trendy accessories that hipsters couldn’t do without. Another growing factor into the company’s success is now its physical retail stores devoted to everything Apple, from which 20 percent of revenues are derived. The physical design and details of the stores combined with the unique approach to customer service is said to be what draws first-time customers in and brings them back time and again (see article by Katie Hafner in The New York Times).

In analyzing the mass appeal and success of Apple, we must look directly to the company’s Co-Founder and CEO, Steven P Jobs. NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the notable past and present connections of Jobs, who likely had no idea more than three decades ago when he co-founded Apple, the global presence the company would eventually achieve.

Board Experience May Boost Investor Confidence in Sallie Mae Public Stock Offering

In an effort to recover from the unsuccessful move of betting on its own stock price, student-loan giant SLM Corp (Sallie Mae) announced that it plans on raising $2.5 billion through a public stock offering. Shares have fallen significantly since the failed buyout attempts earlier in the year, with the company now desperate to make up for its losses. Sallie Mae had originally agreed to purchase its own shares at a set future price, expecting them to have increased substantially. Unfortunately for the company, its stock price failed to meet expectations, declining instead but leaving Sallie Mae responsible for paying billions (see article by John Hechinger in The Wall Street Journal).

Analysts aren’t completely convinced that a public offering could be enough for Sallie Mae to raise the needed funds. Investor confidence, however, could work to change their minds. NewsVisual created and IntellectSpace Knowledge Map to illustrate the corporate network of the leadership team behind Sallie Mae. Extensive experience and the right connections of the company’s Board of Directors could go far in convincing potential investors that Sallie Mae will be worth the buy and come out strong in the coming year.

FairPoint and Verizon: Knowledge Map for "Vermont to Verizon: Drop Dead" in WSJ DealJournal

Click here or copy this link into your Internet Explorer browser for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=1136f4fa-f692-4c30-9bab-8199a20dd548

Current Director Relationships May Have Motivated GE Deal With Merrill Lynch

Earlier today, GE Capital announced that it will acquire most of Merrill Lynch business Merrill Lynch Capital, in a deal expected to increase GE’s assets by more than $10 billion. The move is also set to align with Merrill Lynch’s strategy of divesting non-core assets in order to strengthen its primary interests (see press release from GE).

After creating an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the leadership ties between Merrill Lynch, NewsVisual discovered a number of connections between key Directors at either company, creating a network that would have likely been very helpful in initiating and facilitating a deal.

Och-Ziff Capital Management: Supplementary Knowledge Map for "Och-Ziff and the Public Hedge Fund Conundrum" by Dana Cimilluca in WSJ DealJournal

Click here or copy this link into your Internet Explorer browser for an Interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map: http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=17e6a776-a48b-425c-a058-1e0be6b43506

UBS in Hot Water Over Multi-Billion Dollar Write-Downs; Can Leadership Experience Spark Positive Results?

UBS is coming under scrutiny this week, and faces investigation by Swiss banking regulators over the company’s recent multi-billion dollar write-downs. One of the financial institutions hardest hit by the recent credit crises, UBS is estimated to have experienced write-downs of about $10 billion just this month, with regulators wanting to know how this happened and who is to blame (see article from The New York Times DealBook).

In order to take a closer look at the connections and experience of UBS’s senior leadership team, NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the international finance giant’s Board of Directors and Senior Executives. Though in bad shape from its recent losses, the company may be able to take advantage of its corporate network and leadership experience in bringing about more positive results by this time next year.

Pressure Mounts for CEO Nardelli as Chrysler Struggles

Just months after Cerberus Capital Management LP stepped in with an 80.1% acquisition to boost struggling auto maker Chrysler LLC, business is not looking good. Now Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli faces the difficult task of leading a speedy turnaround for the company, which if not for the $10 billion fronted by its investors, would be on the verge of bankruptcy (see article by Josée Valcourt and Neal E Boudette in The Wall Street Journal).

An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map created by NewsVisual takes a closer look at Nardelli’s experience in corporate leadership, prior to joining Chrysler. Nardelli may be wise to draw on past know-how and connections with companies from his past in strategizing positive results for Chrysler in 2008.

As illustrated in this Knowledge Map, Nardelli most recently held the positions of Chairman, CEO and President of Home Depot. He resigned from the company at the beginning of this year amidst scrutiny over his considerable pay and management style.

Personal Connections Between the Directors from GM and Navistar Could Be Impetus Behind Deal

The new strategic realignment in the automotive industry began to evolve another link on Thursday when General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) and Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ) jointly announced their plans for a major transaction.

Under the terms of a non-binding memorandum of understanding, Navistar would purchase certain properties relating to GM’s medium-size truck business, including assets, intellectual property and distribution rights.

Specifically, Navistar’s benefits from the deal would include the rights to manufacture GMC and Chevrolet brand vehicles in the class 4-8 gross vehicle weight range, the purchase of the related service-parts business, and the right to sell vehicles and service parts through GM’s proprietary dealer network in the United States and Canada.

The two companies emphasized that the deal will benefit them mutually.

Impressive Corporate Network Backs Sam Zell As He Takes Tribune Private

As Tribune Co Chairman/CEO Dennis Fitzsimmons prepares to step down from his positions and depart the company, real estate billionaire Samuel Zell gets ready for his takeover. The self-described “professional opportunist” is expected to carry out his plan of taking Tribune private with an $8.2 billion buyout in an effort to revive the struggling television and newspaper company (see article from CNBC).

Zell, well known for his company-saving strategies, is clearly proactive when it comes to corporate investments and takeovers. Analysts aren’t quite sure what particular tactics he’ll employ with Tribune, though given his track record and involvement with countless companies, he is expected to do well in his latest endeavor.

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Zell’s past and present connections, mapping his executive positions, board memberships, organization involvement, affiliations with educational institutions and even key family relationships. The results paint an impressive picture of the infamous investor, providing key insight into the connections that likely helped him attain his top status in the corporate world.

As shown in this Knowledge Map, Zell has ties to a large number of entities in multiple industries. Much of his experience is in real-estate and investments, though he has held executive positions and board memberships with companies in media, energy and electronics. Equity Office Properties, Capital Trust, Anixter, and Covanta Energy are just a few of the major corporations Zell has been heavily involved with over his career. He has served as Chairman and a Director at numerous companies, and is active in organizations and educational institutions, having held leadership positions at entities that include the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Chicago’s Field Museum and the University of Michigan.

Defense Industry-Related Board Room Connections Could Continue to Offer ManTech Future Successes

On a day that began with more bad news from the financial-services sector, at least one company from the defense sector could offer investors phenomenally good news on Wednesday. 

ManTech International Corporation (Nasdaq: MANT) announced its initial 2008 guidance in a conference all to investors that projects the full year revenue to be in the range of $1.710 to $1.770 billion, which would represent 20 to 24 percent growth over 2007.  The company also projects full year net income of $79.7 to $84.3 million and EPS of $2.26 to $2.39.

These projections for 2008 come on the heels of very positive results in 2007 for ManTech.

Revenue for 2007 was in the annual range of $1,415 to $1,430 billion and annual net income was from $64.7 to $65.7 million and an EPS of $1.87 to $1.90, the company reported.

ManTech attributed its positive results for 2007 as well as its optimistic forward-looking projections for 2008 to the increased demand for the company’s national security-related services.

Strong Links Between Microsoft and Viacom May Have Motivated Latest Ad Deal

Did common connection come into play as Microsoft and Viacom ink a $500 million ad deal? That could very well be the case based on the results of an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map. The agreement will have the companies working together on ads and promotions for certain video games and television shows, a move that is projected to do well given the popular media assets of Viacom and Microsoft’s strong industry standing (see article by Dan Frommer in Silicon Alley Insider).

After creating an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the common ties between current Senior Executives and Directors of Microsoft and Viacom, NewsVisual found a number of strong connections linking the companies that could have been significant to this partnership.

Can Business Experience of Lilly’s Board of Directors Ensure New CEO Receives Wise Advice?

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced on Tuesday a leadership change.  The company’s CEO/Chairman Sidney Taurel will retire from the CEO position on March 31, 2008, but he will remain as Chairman through the remainder of 2008 to help smooth the transition.

The new CEO will come from Lilly’s own ranks.  The current President/COO John C. Lechleiter, PhD will take the helm as President/CEO on April 1, 2008, the company said in a statement.

Perhaps, because it apparently signals stable management, the late-morning markets appeared to react favorably to the announcement.  On the NYSE, the stock opened at $53.47 and was up slightly to $53.62 at 11:43am ET.

Indeed, the company’s statement emphasized that the transition was being conducted by Lilly as part of a well-thought-out process:

“I believe that 2008 is the right time for me to retire for a number of reasons. The company has executed very well over the past couple of years, exceeding both our and our shareholders' expectations, and it is operationally very sound and positioned for continued success,” said Taurel in a press release.

Common Connections and Industry Experience Land Daniel Hesse Sprint CEO Position

After a two-month search to replace recently ousted Gary Forsee, Sprint Nextel Corp announced that it has named Embarq head Daniel Hesse as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Despite some opposition to the appointment from Embarq’s Board of Directors, the leadership team at Sprint appears to be very confident about the decision (see article by Andrew Edwards in The Wall Street Journal).

After creating an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Hesse’s past and current corporate connections, NewsVisual discovered one link in particular that may have given him the edge in landing this high-profile position.

As illustrated in the Knowledge Map, Hesse has most recently been the Chairman/CEO of Embarq Corporation, which until recently was the Local Telecommunications Division of Sprint Nextel. This connection likely made Hesse well acquainted with various key individuals at Sprint, which would have given him a strong advantage in securing the CEO position.

Diverse Connections of Ingersoll-Rand May Have Led to Trane Acquisition

In a cash and stock deal valued at over $10 billion, Ingersoll-Rand has agreed to acquire Trane Inc, a move that would create one of the largest makers of air conditioners and related products in the world. Analysts and investors are hoping that the deal is a sign of things to come as the increasingly tight credit markets have significantly slowed down M&A activity in recent months (see article by Matthew Karnitschnig in The Wall Street Journal).

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the corporate and organizational ties of Ingersoll-Rand‘s Board of Directors in order to see how past leadership experience and common ties may have proven useful in making this deal happen in spite of the credit markets.

As displayed in this Knowledge Map, nearly every Director at Ingersoll-Rand holds numerous affiliations with major corporations, organizations, and even in high levels of government. CEO/Chairman Herbert L Henkel has held a number of Directorships and Executive positions over his career, including with Textron, AT&T, and 3M. Gary D Forsee, an Ingersoll-Rand Director and former CEO/Chairman of Sprint Nextel, is a prominent name on the Board, as he has the leadership experience and corporate connections that could be a big asset to Ingersoll-Rand and its future business.

Could Aon’s Board of Directors Be the Real Force Behind its Sell-Off, Buy-Back Strategy?

In a new strategic plan that seems tailored for reassuring investors on Wall Street,  Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) announced late Friday that it intends to sell off two of its business units for $2.75 billion so that the company can use the proceeds for a stock buy-back program.

Specifically, the company has reached agreements to sell its properties the Combined Insurance Company of America (CICA) to ACE Limited for cash consideration of $2.4 billion and the Sterling Life Insurance Company (Sterling) to Munich Re Group for cash consideration of $352 million.  The agreements are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter and the end of the second quarter 2008, respectively.

“Through these divestitures, we have further simplified our global organization and successfully executed our strategy to exit the lower margin and more capital intensive insurance underwriting business,” said Aon President/CEO Greg Case in a press release.

“Our core assets will now be more strategically aligned as we expand our capabilities to better serve our risk brokerage and consulting clients. At the same time, the increased share repurchase program reflects our ongoing belief in the underlying positive momentum of the business and is an effective use of capital to maximize long-term shareholder value,” he added.

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map that illustrates that several Aon Directors have strong business connections and leadership experience.

Directors’ Experience Could Help to Ensure Future Profitability of HSBC’s Acquisition of Taiwan Bank

HSBC announced on Friday that it will dramatically expand its market-share from eight to 47 branches in Taiwan through its acquisition of The Chinese Bank.

Given the fact that Taiwan is Asia’s fourth largest banking market, the acquisition could potentially offer HSBC an opportunity to grow its profits in the not-too-distant future since HSBC will be acquiring approximately one million of The Chinese Bank’s current customers.

“The Chinese Bank will provide HSBC in Taiwan with significant opportunities in retail, commercial and corporate banking,” said the CEO of HSBC in Taiwan Alistair Currie in a company press release.

“We also believe HSBC's international network, global expertise and financial strength will benefit our new customers and employees in Taiwan,” he added.

In effect, HSBC won Chinese Bank in an auction conducted by the Taiwan Government's Central Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), which took control of the failing bank in January 2007.

Under the terms of its agreement with the CDIC, HSBC must establish a new subsidiary in Taiwan within three years of the deal’s completion that must carry a minimum capitalization of approximately $309 million.

Multiple Connections Likely Drive ON Semiconductor Takeover of Amis

In a deal valued at nearly $915 million, ON Semiconductor Corp has agreed to buy Amis Holdings Inc, a specialty chipmaker that ON Semi CEO Keith Jackson believes would be a complimentary asset to the company’s automotive and industrial business (see article by Carolyn Murphy in TheDeal.com’s Tech Confidential). Analysts have been attributing the latest string of acquisitions in the chip industry to depressed stock valuations and a general downturn in the market, and predict that more companies will follow the lead of ON Semi and Amis with strategic deals in the coming year.

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the common connections shared between ON Semi and Amis in order to identify what relationships may have been key to motivating a deal.

Did the Collective Business Experience of Merck’s Directors Play an Important Role in the Co’s Recall Notice?

Merck & Co (MRK) decided to place its long-term credibility over short-term profits on Thursday when it voluntarily recalled large quantities of its vaccine that could be contaminated.  Although company officials were uncertain as to whether the vaccines were actually contaminated, they opted to play it safe since they could not assure their sterility.

The recall involves 13 lots of two types of vaccine that are used to combat Haemophilus influenzae type B and the combination Haemophilus influenzae type B/ hepatitis B vaccine and that the company markets under the brand names PEDVAXHIB and COMVAX, respectively.

The recall is specific to these 13 lots and does not affect any other vaccines manufactured by Merck, the company said in a press release.

“We are taking this action because we are committed to ensuring the quality of our vaccines,” said Merck Vice President Mark Feinberg, MD, PhD, in the same statement.

Bank of America, Wachovia and PNC Rely on CEO Experience to Get Through 2008

Credit markets are seeing no signs of improvements, much to the dismay of the heads of three of the world’s largest banks, Wachovia, Bank of America and PNC Financial Services Group. Things don’t appear to be looking up for the new year, as the banks prepare for compensate for loan losses and major write-downs (see article from The New York Times).

Despite the negative outlook, investors are hoping that the knowledge and experience of the leadership teams, and especially the CEOs, will go far in guiding the banks through the predictions of continued credit market turmoil. NewsVisual created IntellectSpace Knowledge Maps of the heads of Bank of America, Wachovia and PNC in order to see how past experience and common connections could have an effect on how well the banks weather the storm.

This first Knowledge Map takes a look at Bank of America’s Chief Executive, Kenneth D Lewis, illustrating his experience as a Senior Executive in the banking industry for more than two decades. He has also served as a Director with a diverse set of entities, including Lowe’s Companies and Health Management Associates.

The Yahoo and CNBC Alliance: Could Board Room Connections Have Spawned This Strategic Deal?

In a move that looks like an initiative to blunt some of the impact of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp’s recent acquisition of the Dow Jones Company, Yahoo Inc (YHOO) and CNBC issued a joint statement on Wednesday that announced their own deal to form a strategic alliance to protect the competitiveness of their own financial news properties.

Under the terms of the agreement, CNBC will distribute content to Yahoo Finance in the United States and its 21 international financial news sites.  The CNBC content will include video clips from CNCB global networks, including CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia, as well as print-like content from the company’s Internet property, CNBC.com.

Connections and Experience Explain Citi Vote for Pandit and Bischoff

Citigroup made its highly anticipated announcement that it has finally elected a new CEO and Chairman of the Board. Vikram Pandit, the frontrunner in the mass speculation of who would secure the top spot, has been named CEO and Sir Winfried FW Bischoff will be the company’s Chairman. Both were elected to fill the CEO/Chairman positions left by Charles O Prince III, who resigned in November amidst multi-billion dollar write-downs. The decision was quickly met with criticism from analysts and investors who aren’t confident in the leadership qualities of Pandit and Bischoff (see article from The New York Times DealBook).

NewsVisual created IntellectSpace Knowledge Maps of the corporate experience of Pandit and Bischoff in order to look at the evidence behind this claim of lack of leadership and possibly find the answer as to why Citigroup’s board made that final choice.

In this first Knowledge Map, Bischoff’s multiple connections are clearly portrayed, illustrating his extensive experience in corporate leadership. Not only was he Chairman of Citi Europe and Acting CEO of Citi, he held Senior Executive positions with Schroders PLC and J Henry Schroder & Co. He has held Directorships with numerous companies, including Cable and Wireless, IFIL and Siemens Holdings, and is currently a Board Member for corporate entities that include The McGraw-Hill Companies, Land Securities PLC and Eli Lilly and Company. With such a degree of Board and Executive experience across a multitude of industries, it’s not so surprising that Bischoff was chosen as Citi’s Chairman.

Could the Female Intuition of Several of AT&T Directors Inspire the Company’s Optimism?

Amid the turmoil in other sectors of the economy, AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) sounded an optimistic note of confidence in its future performance by announcing a dividend increase and an intention to buy back shares of its own stock.

Specifically, the announcement said that its Board of Directors has approved a 12.7 percent increase in the company's quarterly dividend, making it the largest annual increase in the company’s history, AT&T said.

At the same time, AT&T announced a new share repurchase authorization for 400 million shares.  Based on current market conditions, the company expects to complete the repurchases by the end of 2009.

 
"This latest dividend increase, combined with the new share repurchase authorization, reflects the strength of AT&T's operations, and our board's confidence in the future of our business and our ability to continue to deliver strong results," said AT&T CEO/Chairman Randall Stephenson in a press release.

"AT&T has great assets in a growth industry, and we're excited about the opportunities we have to continue to grow our business while also delivering value to shareowners," he added.

The markets appeared to greet the announcement favorably.  While the share price previously closed at $37.90, it opened at $39.64 and was trading at $40.32 at 11.47am ET.

A NewsVisual IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of AT&T’s current Board of Directors shows that they have widespread business connections.

Desperate Times Calls for Desperate Measures for Washington Mutual CEO Killinger

Eager to recover after getting hit hard by the subprime mortgage crisis, Washington Mutual Inc (WaMu) announced that it will be reducing its dividend, slashing jobs and selling stock in an effort to raise $3.7 billion. In light of the news, some analysts are speculating that CEO Kerry Killinger could be on his way out (see article from The Wall Street Journal).

An IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Killinger’s past and present leadership roles takes a closer look into the man who is ultimately responsible for the company’s latest moves, and offers insight into whether he and the board will be able to achieve a speedy turnaround.

Killinger has been since 1990 and has held Senior Executive positions with WaMu from the early 1980’s, according to this Knowledge Map. Given his lengthy career with the company as the Chief Executive, leading the company through various ups and downs over the years, it is doubtful that Killinger will be quick to leave in the midst this latest mortgage crisis.

Prior to joining WaMu, Killinger held other considerable Senior Executive positions that suggest extensive leadership experience and knowledge of the industry. The Knowledge Map also portrays Killinger’s past and present affiliations with major corporate entities through board memberships. He is currently a Director of Safeco and was previously a Director for corporate entities that include the Federal Home Lone Bank of Seattle, Green Diamond Resources and the Simpson Investment Co.

Business Connections of Harford’s Board of Directors Could Add to Credibility of Earnings Prediction

While much of the financial sector still struggles beneath the weight of the subprime mortgage crisis, the Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc (HIG) announced that the company expects strong earnings in 2008.

More specifically, Hartford asserts that it expects core earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $9.80 to $10.20.

“The Hartford is entering 2008 from a position of great strength,” said CEO/Chairman Ramani Ayer in a company press release.

Mr. Ayer added the following explanation the company’s core strengths and why it can grow shareholder value and dividends:

“The Hartford is well positioned for the opportunities of a dynamic, very competitive marketplace; we are operating in profitable businesses where we have the products, distribution and brand recognition necessary for success.”

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map that shows the current business and institutional connections of the members of Hartford’s Board of Directors in order to determine how knowledgeable they are about business issues.

Director Robert W. Selander would undoubtedly have his finger on the pulse of the latest consumer-spending patterns since he is the President/CEO of MasterCard, Inc, not to mention his expertise on the status of available credit, which acts as a barometer for near-term economic performance.

But two of the board members are faculty members at prestigious universities, where they would have access to economic research studies: Director Ramon de Oliveira is an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia University; while Director Gall J. McGovern is a Professor of Marketing at Harvard Business School.

Connections Create Competition Between Pandit and Willumstad for Citigroup CEO Position

Analysts and investors are sitting on the edge of their seats as the Citigroup Board of Directors prepares to appoint its new Chief Executive. The vote will come after five weeks of searching in an effort to replace recently ousted Citigroup CEO Charles Prince (see article by David Enrich in The Wall Street Journal). The front runner appears to be Vikram Pandit, head the Citigroup’s investment bank and alternative-investments business (see October 23 NewsVisual article), though analysts aren’t ruling out the possibility that former Citigroup President Robert Willumstad could eventually nab the CEO position.

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of Willumstad’s past and present corporate and organizational affiliations. Given his long history in finance, Willumstad could have the experience to give him the upper hand in securing the vote from Citigroup’s board.

As clearly illustrated in this Knowledge Map, Willumstad has considerable corporate leadership experience as well as membership to organizational entities. He has been the Chairman of American Insurance Group (AIG) since departing Citigroup as President and Chief Operating Officer, and he is also shown to have former leadership ties with MasterCard, Commercial Credit Company and SC Johnson.

Willumstad has also held non-corporate leadership positions with major organizations and educational institutions, including Habitat for Humanity, the Financial Services Roundtable and Adelphi University.

Healthcare Expertise of Edwards Lifesciences’s Board of Directors Likely to Instill Investor Confidence

While most of Friday’s business news was dominated by the seemingly never-ending gloom of the subprime mortgage crises, sunshine broke through in the biotechnology sector with a phenomenally optimistic revenue-growth forecast by Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW).

A world leader in products and technologies to treat advanced cardiovascular disease, the number-one killer disease in the United States, Edwards Lifesciences announced that the company expects to deliver earnings per share growth of 11 to 14 percent. 

More specifically, Edwards said that it is projecting total sales between $1.16 billion to $1.21 billion, increasing gross profit margin by 100 to 150 basis points.

“We expect 2008 to be a very successful and important year for Edwards Lifesciences," said CEO/Chairman Michael A Mussallem in a company press release. “Our market-leading heart valve and critical care franchises provide a strong foundation for continued growth.”

Notable Connections Precede Macrovision Takeover of Gemstar

In a deal worth $2.8 billion, digital security company Macrovision announced today that it would engage in a takeover of Gemstar –TV Guide (see article from paidContent.org). The partnership between the companies would combine Gemstar’s guide features with Macrovision’s digital distribution technologies in the attempt to appeal to consumers with notions of ease-of-use and enhanced digital access.

More often than not, major M&A activity is influenced or facilitated by common connections, where certain key Executives or Directors at either entity are well acquainted through professional relationships developed when working together at an additional entity. NewsVisual created IntellectSpace Knowledge Maps of Macrovision’s ties to Gemstar and News Corp, which controls Gemstar, in order to identify how common connections may have been significant to this latest deal.