Too Many Hats?
Billionaire Paul Allen is Microsoft's second-largest shareholder and still sits on the board of the company he co-founded. But his other interests may pose potential conflicts.
STARWAVE
It makes interactive games and operates Web sites such as ESPNet/SportsZone. Although Allen remains the largest shareholder, Disney recently bought a stake and plans an ABCNEWS.com Web site to compete with MSNBC, a Microsoft-NBC joint venture.
DREAMWORKS SKG
Allen owns nearly 20% of the fledgling film studio. Through DreamWorks Interactive, a joint venture with Microsoft, DreamWorks competes with Starwave's game business.
WEBTV NETWORKS
Allen was an early investor, with a 9% stake. Microsoft will acquire WebTV for $425 million, netting a big return for early investors like Allen.
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