Ron Burkle's Carl Icahn like thoughts

Grocery tycoon Ron Burkle who recently bid for media giant Tribune Company along with fellow billionaire Eli Broad in an attempt to join the media elite club, is adding activist to his credit as well, with fresh inspiration from corporate thug Carl Icahn. Burkle, who runs the investment firm Yucaipa, plans to launch a “corporate governance” fund early next year. Burkle says he realized the impact his next fund could have after talking to the veteran investor Kirk Kerkorian, who now rankles the executive ranks of General Motors despite owning just a 10% stake in the ailing carmaker. “He wields tremendous influence,” marvels Burkle, who is intent on doing much the same at much smaller companies. When you're rich, you can buy anything including your very own bully pass. Ronald Burkle Thinks Like an Activist [DealBook]