Knighted by Harold Wilson and ennobled by Mrs Thatcher, Lord Hanson has become a rich, powerful icon to modern corporate chief executives. Hanson plc is the eighth most valuable British company, chaired by Hanson's long-standing partner Lord White. It has prospered on the back of some daring and cynical takeovers, and has been very successful in the US. This biography looks at Hanson and White's luxurious lifestyles and goes on to consider the future. As Hanson, 70, reaches the end of his business life, his son may not be approved as corporate heir.