Takeover Madness: Corporate America Fights Back

In this detailed study of currently much-publicized corporate mergers and takeovers, Boston University business teachers Michel and Shaked note how these affect many aspects of America's economybut they are more concerned with the mechanics of it all. The authors describe the Bendix bid for controlling stock in Martin Marietta; tell of other takeover battles involving Mobil vs. Marathon Oil, Seagram vs. St. Joe Minerals, LTV vs. Grumman, etc.; and analyze ""target'' companies' maneuvers to avoid being swallowed up. The authors don't make all this particularly easy to follow. Definitions needed to understand each story sometimes come after the fact, chess-like market ploys of great complexity erupt with dazzling rapidity, technicalities run three-deep. Insiders, however, will be reading with relish. 25,000 ad/promo. (May 21)