A long-distance visionary: Worldcom's homespun chief has firm roots in the future

Article Abstract:

Worldcom Chmn and CEO Bernard J. Ebbers has engineered a $30 billion bid for MCI and positioned the company as a telecommunications force. Some analysts also have compared Ebbers to William McGowan, the late MCI founder whose 1974 lawsuit led to the breakup of AT&T and introduced competition to the long-distance market. Worldcom's eventual goal is to be an 'integrated supercarrier' that supplies all telecommunications services. Worldcom is targeting the Internet's digital technology into the traditional telecommunications business. Ebbers has emphasized growth since the 1980s, believing that carriers that operate their own network and switches boost their gross profit margins significantly. The company is joining other carriers in short-term plans of supplying lucrative data services to companies. Recent purchases have helped Worldcom expand its digital network, while the MCI purchase would widen Worldcom's bandwidth. Ebbers is a former basketball coach who applies a homespun approach toward lofty business ambitions.

Marketing, Economic policy, Ebbers, Bernard J.

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Executive fallout from a merger accord; MCI's chief quits following company's acquitision by Worldcom

Article Abstract:

MCI's CEO, Gerald H. Taylor, resigned within one week of his company's acquisition by Worldcom. Taylor was designated to supervise the new MCI Worldcom's international operations but his hasty departure surprised few in the telecommunications industry. MCI Worldcom said Taylor's resignation would take effect at the end of 1998. The move may foreshadow Worldcom architect Bernard J. Ebbers' corporate integration strategy, which traditionally has included cost reductions and significant executive changes. Ebbers will serve as Chmn and CEO of MCI Worldcom. Executives who may compete with Ebbers' tight group of managers usually leave the company. Taylor, who has worked at MCI for nearly 30 years, said he was considering employment at a small start-up company as an option. MCI's CIO, Lance Boxer, also resigned to become president for communications software at Lucent Technologies.

Officials and employees, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Taylor, Gerald H.

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Plan for merger of MCI and Worldcom wins stockholder approval

Article Abstract:

MCI and Worldcom shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the telecommunications companies' pending $37 billion merger. More than 99% of the participating shareholders supported for the combined company, which includes a 17-member board. The board's composition, as expected, consists of six officers of the companies, eight Worldcom-appointed outside members and three MCI-appointed outsiders. All of Worldcom's current directors will join the new company's board except for RCN Chmn David C. McCourt and Peter Kiewit Sons CFO Richard R. Jaros, whose main jobs could possibly conflict with Worldcom. Former Brooks Fiber Properties CEO James C. Allen and AOL Chmn Stephen M. Case would replace McCourt and Jaros. Included are the names and main jobs of the new company's 15 board members.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Company acquisition/merger

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