How to get a large set of land parcels together without Eminent Domain

Given the Supreme Court's Kelo decision earlier this year, the impression has been left that private firms need eminent domain to get large parcels of property that they need for development. Here is an example of how Apple Computer got 50 Acres together in Cupertino, California. Just showing that it can be done without eminent domain.

Assembling 50 acres of land in Silicon Valley requires more than just a big pocketbook -- it takes discretion, too. If sellers find out a multibillion-dollar company is hunting for land, they're likely to boost the asking price.

So, as with its new products, Apple was equally secretive about its plans for its second campus. . . . .