NYT and CNET: Match Made in Heaven? Nope.

Ashkan Karbasfrooshan — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:13:20 +0000

Obviously, this post is in jest, but too bad NYT settled its differences with Harbinger.

Jana Partners is hounding CNET… They own 25% of the outstanding stock.

Harbinger Capital Partners, a part of the Harbert Management Corporation, was doing the same to NYT. They own some 10%.

Here’s a crazy idea: why not merge? I know this has a “no chance in hell” likelihood suggestion hence why we’re making it.

But CNET is worth $1.25B… and NYT is worth $2.75B.

- NYT owns About.com and NY Times is one of the strongest brands out there in journalism…

- CNET is tech-oriented and its slate of advertisers would love to go more mainstream.

CNET owns about 30% of the new corporation and diversifies into lifestyle… basically buys into NYT at a low.

NYT owns 70% of the new entity and gets a shot in the arm in terms of digital.

And, they get the hostile crowd off their back? Any takers?

All right, enough madness.

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