Billionaire Rupert Murdoch exits another wife

Murdochs Closing-In on Divorce Settlement (via Bloomberg TV)

Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- In today's "Movers & Shakers," Bloomberg's Deirdre Bolton reports that News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch is nearing a divorce settlement to end his 14-year marriage. She speaks on Bloomberg Television's "In The Loop." -- Subscribe…

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Rupert Murdoch buys Dow Jones, owners of the Wall Street Journal

Rupert Murdoch has succeeded with his $5 billion bid for Dow Jones, owners of the Wall Street Journal, according to sources acting for the Dow Jones board. Negotiations have been completed and the board is confident the terms of the deal will be accepted by the Bancroft family, which controls a majority of voting shares in Dow Jones, over the next few days. A formal announcement is expected next week.


previous stories -

New York Times Hits at Murdoch, Wife

Help! Billionaire Wanted: To Rescue Dow Jones & Co.

New York Times Hits at Murdoch, Wife

NYT TUESDAY HIT: MURDOCH DOES CHINA; MOGUL ANGER AT PAPER'S INVESTIGATION OF WIFE

**Drudge Report Exclusive**

Late Monday, NEW YORK TIMES Executive Editor Bill Keller upped the ante and set a Tuesday Page One placement for a controversial examination of Rupert Murdoch's ties to Communist China, newsroom sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.

The paper has launched an exhaustive investigation of Murdoch on the eve of his possible purchase of the WALL STREET JOURNAL, a NEW YORK TIMES rival.

Privately, Keller has been highly critical of Murdoch, sources say.

Tuesday's expose will examine Murdoch's wife, Wendi Deng, a mainland Chinese native.

The investigation into Deng has thoroughly enraged Murdoch, insiders say.

Help! Billionaire Wanted: To Rescue Dow Jones & Co.

Here we have a story about not 1, but 3 billionaires! Our cast of characters include: Rupert Murdoch, Ron Burkle and even Warren Buffett.

Who are these guys?

Rupert Murdoch, of course, is the well known chairman of News Corp. which owns Fox and Company and many media companies on a world scale.

Ron Burkle, also worth billions, is less well known. He is a Los Angeles grocery company owner who is trying to work with Dow Jones & Co. Inc. employees to try to counter the $5-billion bid for the company from Rupert Murdoch. Burkle, son of a wealthy corporate executive, has been known to lend a sympathetic ear to unions from time to time. [Burkle runs The Yucaipa Cos., an investment firm that recently bought the specialty magazine division from Primedia Inc. for $1.2 billion.]

Also, enter, Warren Buffett of Bershire Hathaway (BRKA-NYSE). Because Dow Jones union employees are so frightened of Rupert Murdoch, they will talk with any billionaire at any time. The Independent Association of Publishers' Employees (IAPE) have stated: "IAPE believes any such takeover will be a disservice to the readers who depend on the unquestioned integrity of Dow Jones and all of its publications." Obviously, the IAPE are not that concerned with maximizing the long-term value of Dow Jones shares.





Why is this happening?

Two main reasons. 1- The Dow Jones stock (DJ-NYSE) has been an absolutely awful performer for an extended period of time. And, 2- the sun is starting to set for the Bancrofts (family).

Who will win? It's still early. Let's continue to watch and see.