(NewsVisual, powered by IntellectSpace) --The New York Times reported on Friday in its DealBook section that because Yahoo Inc’s (NASDAQ: YHOO) top 25 outside-the-company stockholders also happen to be heavily invested in Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) as well, these shareholders might be opposed to Microsoft raising its bid price since their own vested interests would be adversely affected by such a move.
The DealBook analysis was based on statements made by analysts at Friedman Billings Ramsey Group (FBR), the Times article reported.
NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map in order to investigate whether there is a strong basis for allegations that Microsoft associates influenced FBR analysts.
The Map illustrates a number of once-removed personal connections between entities at FBR and a number of Microsoft entities.
Yet not every connection would logically suggest that someone from Microsoft had a conversation with FBR about the former’s Yahoo buyout bid.
For example, the Knowledge Map shows that Mr Donald J Mitchell from Microsoft could know FBR Director Stephen D Harlan, because they both have a connection to Harris Interactive. Yet, Mr Mitchell worked for Harris as a Senior Network Engineer, while Mr Harlan serves on the company’s board, making it unlikely that they would be well acquainted with one another.
On the other hand, the Knowledge Map does show one set of personal connections that could be of significance; that is, FBR Vice President Patrick J Keeley could have a strong personal connection to former the Microsoft Director Ann McLaughlin Korologos.
The Map shows that Keeley was a Partner in the Washington, DC law firm Fullbright and Jaworski LLP from 1977 to 1998. While there, he represented oil and gas producers before the Department of Energy and the Department of Interior.
It also illustrates that former Director Korologos, who retired from the Microsoft Board of Directors in 2006, served as a U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1987-1989 and as an Under Secretary of the Department of Interior prior to 1987.
With regard to her tenure in these positions, Ms. Korologos could have become acquainted with Mr. Keeley when he was practicing law with the firm Fullbright and Jaworski LLP since the timeframes of their respective tenures overlap.
In addition, The Knowledge Map also shows that Ms. Korologos owned Microsoft stock while she was on the company’s board.
Therefore, one could speculate that she has some vested interest in Microsoft not raising its buyout bid for Yahoo Inc. The Map does not prove, however, that any improper or unethical conduct occurred. It merely illustrates that there could exist a relationship between Mr. Keeley and Ms Korologos. Yet, that’s not a strong basis on which to base an allegation of wrongdoing.
(Note: the information contained and presented in Knowledge Maps is public information from the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America).
Click here or for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map.
