Chairman James S. McDonnell, 67, of St. Louis' McDonnell Co., builds some of the world's best airplanes, and has become even better known by making NASA's Mercury and Gemini space capsules. He is also a shrewd and determined bargainer, and he has long had his eye on the Douglas Aircraft Co. He tried a takeover in 1963, only to be rebuffed by Donald Douglas Sr., now 74, an old friend who helped McDonnell get started 28 years ago with orders for DC-3 parts. Last year McDonnell began buying Douglas stock again, and last week he was flying as high...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
