How to Think Like the World's Greatest Masters of M&A: Business Lesssons from Sumner Redstone, Sanford Weill, John Chambers, Michael Armstrong and Other Empire Builders (Leader's Edge S.)

In today¿s hypercompetitive global economy bigger is usually better, and one of the fastest ways to grow a company is through mergers and acquisitions. Now, in a book that will be a source of inspiration and ideas for every ambitious business person, reporter Curt Schleier acquaints readers with the personalities behind some of the most spectacular M&As of the past decade. From Cisco¿s John Chambers to Juergen Schrempp of DaimlerChrysler, from Sumner Redstone of Viacom to Disney¿s Michael Eisner, readers find out how ten of today¿s best business minds operate¿why they chose M&As over organic growth, what their dealmaking strate

You can blame it on the Internet, globalization, or simply the need to dominate one's industry­­but in today's hyper-competitive economy, bigger is undeniably better. The need for business growth has fueled a feeding frenzy of leveraged buyouts, stock swaps, and megamergers. And behind every spectacular, headline-making deal, you'll find uncommon, courageous people developing innovative tactics and risking their careers in order to buy companies or combine them.

What if you could come together with the Michael Jordans of mergers and acquisitions? What if these forward-thinking players would impart their amazing negotiating strategies that have changed the way the world conducts business? Just think how you could generate newer, higher quality products . . . improve your global marketing plans . . . revitalize your employees . . . and secure your position in the new business arena.

How to Think Like the World's Greatest Masters of M&A offers invaluable advice from the best of the best­­giving you an inside look at the fascinating M&As of our time and the gutsy maneuvers required to make them happen. The gurus on the art of dealmaking reveal how they grew their companies via M&A, when and how they applied their strategies, and why they succeeded in their ambitious endeavors.

From L. Dennis Kozlowski of Tyco International to Charles Wang of Computer Associates, from Steven Case of America Online to Michael Armstrong of AT&T, you'll take a remarkable journey into the minds of these industry titans. You'll see how they looked into the future and found a place for their companies; how they collaborated with employees to bring their visions to life; and, most importantly, how you can apply their cutting-edge techniques to your own business needs­­no matter the industry.

You get unequaled access to their thought processes and you'll come away with fresh insight into true leadership­­as the M&A masters demonstrate a confidence that comes from being right far more often than they are wrong. A sample of the hard-won wisdom you'll be privy to:

* Keep your employees happy­­for they can make or break a merger. John Chambers relates how Cisco Systems helps its people see a culture they want to be a part of, as they will shape the company into what it will be.
* Start small, take risks, and build one company at a time. That's how Sanford Weill formed his financial service empire, Citigroup.
* Need to invigorate and turn around a troubled company? Henry Kravitz of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. insists that managers invest in their companies and look towards the future­­even if it means taking a step back in the present.

Featuring anecdotes, quotes, and interactive features designed to help you incorporate breakthrough, megadeal tactics in your own business, How to Think Like the World's Greatest Masters of M&A gives you the vision and the know-how to think BIG­­and merge or acquire your way to the top.

Delve into the whip-smart minds of the world's foremost dealmakers­­and implement their groundbreaking strategies in your business!

John Chambers. Charles Wang. Sanford Weill. Just a few of the legendary names behind the megamergers and acquisitions that redefined the meaning of 'growing a business.' Now you can witness firsthand how they and other negotiating gurus made history via the biggest, most successful deals of our time­­and how you can utilize their savvy tactics and strategies in your own company, regardless of your industry.

* Sumner Redstone of Viacom/CBS reveals how you can create value by embracing change­­balancing it with synergy and optimism to drive your company forward.
* Shake things up and expand your business into new areas that will bring customers to you. Michael Armstrong of AT&T helps you face the challenge of surviving short-term losses in favor of major payoffs down the road.
* Steven Case of America Online exposes the genius behind taking the focus off technology and placing it on consumers­­understanding what they want, when they want it, and how to stay as close to them as possible.
* And more from William E. Simon, Jr., L. Dennis Kozlowski, and Henry Kravitz.