65 pages • 2 hours read
Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco
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Book Brief
592
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Barbarians at the Gate chronicles the dramatic 1988 leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, focusing on the fierce competition between corporate titans like F. Ross Johnson and Henry Kravis, and exploring themes of corporate greed, excess, and the aggressive nature of Wall Street during the 1980s. The book also delves into the significant impact of individual personalities on major financial decisions.
Informative
Suspenseful
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
43,767 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar offers a gripping and detailed account of the 1988 RJR Nabisco leveraged buyout. Praised for its thorough research and engrossing narrative, it immerses readers into Wall Street's high-stakes world. However, some criticize its length and occasional complexity. Overall, it remains a compelling read for those intrigued by corporate finance.
Who Should Read Barbarians at the Gate?
A reader who enjoys Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar is likely interested in corporate finance, high-stakes business drama, and mergers and acquisitions. Similar to readers of Michael Lewis's Liar's Poker and Andrew Ross Sorkin's Too Big to Fail, they appreciate detailed investigative journalism and insights into Wall Street's volatile nature.
43,767 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Helyar
John Helyar
An American author and journalist whose collaboration with Bryan Burrough at The Wall Street Journal produced the book; he later wrote on the history of baseball.
Peter A. Cohen
Peter A. Cohen
An investment banker who served as the CEO and chairman of Shearson Lehman Hutton, which was involved in the bidding for RJR Nabisco.
Theodore J. Forstmann
Theodore J. Forstmann
A lawyer and businessman who led Forstmann Little & Company in its unsuccessful attempt to acquire RJR Nabisco, known for his criticism of risky financial practices.
John Gutfreund
John Gutfreund
The CEO of Salomon Brothers, a key Wall Street investment bank involved in the RJR Nabisco bidding war, known for his aggressive business strategies.
F. Ross Johnson
F. Ross Johnson
The CEO of RJR Nabisco during the buyout discussions, depicted as a charismatic and bold executive whose actions are central to the narrative.
Henry Kravis
Henry Kravis
A co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), who played a crucial role in the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, a prominent figure in private equity.
Carolyne Roehm
Carolyne Roehm
A fashion designer and socialite, she was married to Henry Kravis during the events of the book and is depicted among New York's elite.
J. Tylee Wilson
J. Tylee Wilson
The former CEO of RJ Reynolds, who was involved in the RJR Nabisco merger and held disagreements with Ross Johnson’s leadership.
592
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
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