Bloomberg reporter Edward Klump explores the pending sales of Alltel and Acxiom and asks if the buyouts will diminish the clout of central Arkansas vs. northwest Arkansas for attracting new industries.

Reports Klump, “The deals underscore the widening gap between Little Rock, the state's capital and largest city, and northwestern Arkansas, home of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. The changes in ownership could dim Little Rock's standing as a headquarters city and lead to economic losses if the buyers move or break up the companies.”

“Little Rock does seem even more as if it's in the northwest's shadow,” said Kevin Klowden, managing economist at the Milken Institute in Santa Monica, California.

There are also additional comments in the story from central and northwest Arkansas business and community leaders, including real estate developer Rett Tucker, Rogers Mayor Steve Womack, Little Rock city manager Bruce Moore, and economist Jeff Collins.

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