Hostile takeovers are among the most dramatic and high-stakes corporate battles. In this episode, we'll explore the strategic playbook of corporate raiders and activist investors, examining landmark cases like Carl Icahn's battles with TWA and T. Boone Pickens' assault on Gulf Oil. We'll also look at the defensive tactics that companies use to fend off unwanted suitors, and discuss the broader implications of these power struggles for employees, shareholders, and the economy.

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This episode examines the historical context and key factors that have enabled certain companies to dominate their industries for decades, as well as the internal and external forces that can ultimately bring down even the mightiest corporate empires. We'll look at case studies of once-dominant firms like Sears, Kodak, and Nokia to understand how hubris, technological disruption, and strategic missteps can topple business giants.

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