Barbarians at the Gate: The Epic Battle for Wall Street's Biggest Takeover

Chapter 1:what is the Barbarians At The Gate about

"Barbarians at the Gate" is a non-fiction book written by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar. It tells the detailed account of the leveraged buyout (LBO) of RJR Nabisco, one of the largest and most aggressive takeovers in Wall Street history.

The book delves into the story of the power struggle and financial machinations that took place during the takeover bid, initiated by CEO F. Ross Johnson. Johnson, along with the assistance of private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), attempts to buy out the tobacco and food conglomerate using highly leveraged financing.

Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Burrough and Helyar provide a comprehensive account of the RJR Nabisco takeover, offering insights into the world of corporate finance, Wall Street dynamics, and the consequences of aggressive deal-making. "Barbarians at the Gate" has become a classic in business literature, shedding light on the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions.

Chapter 2:Author of the Barbarians At The Gate

Bryan Burrough is an accomplished American author and journalist. He is best known for his book "Barbarians at the Gate," a critically acclaimed non-fiction work that provides an in-depth account of the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco in the 1980s.

Born on August 13, 1961, in Temple, Texas, Burrough graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. He began his career as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal and later joined Vanity Fair as a special correspondent. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of topics, including crime, business, and politics.

"Barbarians at the Gate," published in 1990, quickly became a bestseller and is considered one of the quintessential books on corporate excess and Wall Street in the 1980s. Co-written with investigative journalist John Helyar, the book delves into the multi-billion-dollar takeover battle for RJR Nabisco, involving influential players such as Ross Johnson and Henry Kravis. The book provides a gripping narrative of the events, revealing the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, the personalities involved, and the impact on the American corporate landscape.

Burrough's writing style is characterized by meticulous research, extensive interviews, and a knack for storytelling that captivates readers. He has been praised for his ability to render complex financial concepts in a comprehensible manner while vividly depicting the human drama behind the events.

Bryan Burrough continues to write for Vanity Fair as a special correspondent and is considered an influential voice in American journalism.

Chapter 3:why is the Barbarians At The Gate worth reading

1. Gripping storytelling: The book tells the true story of the leveraged buyout (LBO) of RJR Nabisco in the 1980s, highlighting the financial battles, personal rivalries, and dramatic twists and turns that took place during the takeover. It reads like a captivating novel, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

2. Insight into the business world: "Barbarians At The Gate" provides a comprehensive look into the world of corporate finance, Wall Street, and the high-stakes nature of big business deals. It explores the motivations and strategies of the major players involved in the LBO, shedding light on the inner workings of the financial industry.

Overall, "Barbarians At The Gate" is worth reading because it combines engaging storytelling with historical context, offering valuable insights into the world of corporate finance and the people behind significant business deals.

Chapter 4: Books like the Barbarians At The Gate

1. The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind

2. Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System—and Themselves by Andrew Ross Sorkin

3. Den of Thieves by James B. Stewart