Top Deal-Maker of 2007: Rupert Murdoch

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 (DJ); 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).

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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.

Murdoch’s impressive network, as illustrated here, offers valuable insight into how the corporate giant was able to achieve his current success. He has held positions of Senior Leadership with multiple media entities over the years, including British Sky Broadcasting (BSY), DirecTV (DTV), Fox (FOX), and of course News Corporation (NWS). The value of these connections is immense in that he likely has acquired numerous contacts throughout his career, that likely come in handy as he embarks on new ventures.

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To provide an example of how Murdoch may have taken advantage of his connections in forming his latest deals, NewsVisual also created a Knowledge Map illustrating the second-degree connections of News Corporation’s Board of Directors, where he is currently the major shareholder, Chairman and Managing Director. Many of News Corporation’s Directors currently serve in leadership positions with other major companies, including Rio Tinto (RTP), Intel (INTC), Ford (F) and American Express (AXP). Murdoch connections, in pursuing his next takeover, especially considering this year’s success with Dow Jones.

As his empire and network continues to grow, it is more than likely that Murdoch will continue to make top deal-making headlines in 2008.