Yahoo Eyes Time Warner For Deal As Microsoft Revives Takeover Interest

(NewsVisual, powered by IntellectSpace) -- Yahoo Inc (NYSE: YHOO) may be looking to combine with Time Warner Inc (NYSE: TWX) in an effort to deter future takeover attempts by Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT).

The potential deal could give Yahoo control of AOL, and Time Warner would then take a stake in Yahoo.

Talks between the companies had originally started earlier this year, though Microsoft's failed attempt to acquire Yahoo and the subsequent fall-out after effectively haulted any deals. Now with Yahoo's share price sliding and investor confidence waning, it's clear that Yahoo is eager to spark some new life into the company's performance.

Yesterday NewsVisual mapped the connections between Microsoft and Yahoo that could be used to revive a deal. Today, an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map illustrates the ties between Time Warner and Yahoo that could be used to keep Microsoft at bay.

A number of direct connections combined with current relationships through common entities could soon lead to a partnership between Yahoo and Time Warner.

Perhaps the strongest connection linking Yahoo and Time Warner runs through KB Home, where Yahoo Director Ronald W Burkle is a Director along with Stephen F Bollenbach, a Director at Time Warner. Bollenbach may also be in contact with Yahoo Director Gary L Wilson, as both were previously corporate executives at Disney during overlapping years.

Yahoo Chairman Roy J Bostock and Time Warner Director Michael A Miles may be acquainted through ties to Morgan Stanley. Miles, a long time Director of Morgan Stanley since 1994, left the Board in 2005, the same year that Bostock joined as a Director. It is possible that the two had the opportunity to interact and network with each other during the exchange.

A notable direct connection between the companies is also present and illustrated on the Knowledge Map: Terry Semel, the recently ousted head of Yahoo, was previously the Chairman/CEO of Warner Bros, a division of Time Warner.

If Yahoo really does have its sights set on partnering with Time Warner, it is likely that the company will use whatever means available, including the connections to its senior executives, to secure a deal to rival that of Microsoft’s.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map.

Perhaps the strongest connection linking Yahoo and Time Warner runs through KB Home, where Yahoo Director Ronald W Burkle is a Director along with Stephen F Bollenbach, a Director at Time Warner. Bollenbach may also be in contact with Yahoo Director Gary L Wilson, as both were previously corporate executives at Disney during overlapping years.

Yahoo Chairman Roy J Bostock and Time Warner Director Michael A Miles may be acquainted through ties to Morgan Stanley. Miles, a long time Director of Morgan Stanley since 1994, left the Board in 2005, the same year that Bostock joined as a Director. It is possible that the two had the opportunity to interact and network with each other during the exchange.

A notable direct connection between the companies is also present and illustrated on the Knowledge Map: Terry Semel, the recently ousted head of Yahoo, was previously the Chairman/CEO of Warner Bros, a division of Time Warner.

If Yahoo really does have its sights set on partnering with Time Warner, it is likely that the company will use whatever means available, including the connections to its senior executives, to secure a deal to rival that of Microsoft’s.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map.