This book goes behind closed doors of both executive offices and the Corporate Board Room to disclose details about this corporate takeover that have never before been revealed. The book describes the tense events that lead to the decision to change the basic business strategy of the company. It also tells several political tales that help the reader understand how a major player in the defense industry can be brought to its knees by one signature from one highly placed Washington official. Months of study and analysis lead Grumman and Northrop to the decision that a merger of equals was the desired path to survival. Unfortunately activities initiated by the companies investment banker, changed the history of events and changed a friendly merger into a hostile takeover. This book describes all of the significant events before, during and after the acquisition that will serve as lessons learned to those that may, in the future, be involved in partnering activities.