(NewsVisual, powered by IntellectSpace ) -- Wireless carrier Alltel Corp (NYSE: AT) may soon be facing a takeover by Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodaphone Group.

The deal could create some serious competition for rival AT&T Inc (NYSE: T), as the potentially $27 billion acquisition would likely create the country's largest cellphone company.

NewsVisual created an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map of the common corporate connections shared between Alltel and Verizon wireless parent Verizon Communications Inc to determine if any significant executive ties may have prompted this latest news. As evident in this Knowledge Map of the most notable links, Verizon and Alltel share a strong corporate network. 

One key connection that serves as an example of how the companies are linked is that shared by Verizon Director Sandra O'Moose and Alltel Senior Vice President Keith A Kostuch. Each had previously served as Senior Executives and Directors at The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. It's likely that given their past experience at Boston Consulting, the two may have used their common connection to help facilitate the initial deal-making process.

Other strong ties link past and present Verizon and Alltel senior leaders through such companies like Morgan Stanley, Johnson & Johnson and Delta Airlines. All of these connections could very well become key as Verizon and Alltel further their discussions about a deal.