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Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani: Careers, Roles, Net Worth & Is There a Connection? (2026)

Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani: Careers, Roles, Net Worth & Is There a Connection? (2026)

Type their names together and you might expect a business partnership, a merger, or a family tie. The truth is stranger, and simpler. One man runs two of the world’s most recognizable media companies. The other spent nearly 17 years leading one of America’s largest health companies.

Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani have no verified partnership, shared company, or family relationship. Yet the pairing keeps surfacing in searches, and in 2026 both men’s titles are in motion. One locked down control of a media empire. The other handed over the CEO job he held since 2009.

So why are these two names linked online, and what does each leader really do? The sections below separate confirmed facts from rumor, cover careers, education, family, wealth, and leadership style, and explain the one documented place where their paths crossed.

Quick Facts About Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani

Detail Lachlan Murdoch David Cordani
Industry Media and entertainment Health care and health services
Main company Fox Corporation The Cigna Group
Current title Executive Chair and CEO of Fox Corporation; Chair of News Corp Executive Chair of The Cigna Group (since July 1, 2026)
Previous key title Co-Chairman of 21st Century Fox (from 2014) President and CEO of Cigna (2009 to July 2026)
Born September 8, 1971 February 10, 1966
Age in October 2026 55 60
Education Princeton University Texas A&M University (bachelor’s); University of Hartford (MBA)
Spouse Sarah Murdoch Sherry Cordani
Family background Eldest son of Rupert Murdoch Raised in Connecticut
Known for Fox News parent company, News Corp control Growing Cigna into a global health company
Documented link between them Both signed the 2019 Business Roundtable Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation Same
Business partnership or family tie None verified None verified

Who Are Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani?

Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani are senior American-linked business leaders from different industries. Murdoch leads Fox Corporation and chairs News Corp. Cordani led Cigna as CEO for nearly 17 years and now serves as its executive chair.

They are often searched together because articles compare their careers. Those comparisons usually focus on leadership, succession, and how very large organizations adapt to change.

The Short Answer

They are two unrelated executives. They do not run a joint company, and no reliable source shows a family or partnership tie.

The only well-documented overlap is that both appeared as signatories on a 2019 statement from the Business Roundtable, covered later in this guide.

Why the Names Appear Together Online

Search engines group related names when many pages mention them in the same article. A wave of comparison pieces has done exactly that.

Several of those pages openly state that no verified relationship exists. Others imply a link without evidence, which fuels confusion.

Lachlan Murdoch: Biography

Lachlan Keith Murdoch is the eldest son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch. He was born on September 8, 1971, and grew up inside a family business built on newspapers, television, and publishing.

He studied at Princeton University before starting work in the Murdoch media world.

Early Career

His early path included senior roles in Australia, where he headed News Limited, now called News Corp Australia. He also ran the New York Post, one of the most visible newspapers in the United States.

An SEC filing shows he served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer of 21st Century Fox from 2000 to 2005.

Time Away and Return

In 2005, he moved into an advisory role at 21st Century Fox and focused on his own investments. SEC filings list him as Executive Chairman of the private investment company Illyria Pty Ltd from 2005.

He also became Executive Chairman of the Australian radio company NOVA Entertainment in 2009 and held board roles at Ten Network.

Return to the Family Companies

SEC filings show he became Non-Executive Co-Chairman of 21st Century Fox in March 2014. That marked his return to the center of the family business.

From there, he rose to become the leader of the successor company.

Lachlan Murdoch Age and Birthday

Lachlan Murdoch was born on September 8, 1971. That makes him 55 years old as of October 2026.

News coverage in September 2025 described him as 54, which matches that birth date.

Lachlan Murdoch Education

He attended Princeton University. Profiles routinely cite this as his university education.

His real training, however, came from decades inside newsrooms and boardrooms. Few media leaders have held as many operating roles across print, broadcast, and radio.

Lachlan Murdoch Current Role

As of 2026, Fox Corporation lists Lachlan Murdoch as Executive Chair and CEO. He also serves as Chair of News Corp.

Reports note that he took over as chair of News Corp and head of Fox in 2023, when his father stepped back from daily management.

What Fox Corporation Owns

Fox Corporation is the parent company of the Fox broadcast network and the Fox News Channel. It is one of the most profitable cable news businesses in the United States.

Its brands also include sports and streaming assets that draw large audiences.

What News Corp Owns

News Corp owns publications such as The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and The Times of London. These titles reach readers across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Holding both companies’ top roles makes Lachlan Murdoch one of the most influential media leaders in the world.

The 2025 Murdoch Family Trust Settlement

In September 2025, the Murdoch family settled a long dispute over the family trust that controls Fox and News Corp. The settlement ended litigation in a Nevada court.

Under the agreement, Lachlan and his sisters Grace and Chloe became beneficiaries of new trusts holding the controlling shares. Voting control rests with Lachlan.

What Happened to the Other Siblings

Prudence MacLeod, Elisabeth Murdoch, and James Murdoch ceased to be beneficiaries in trusts holding Fox and News Corp shares. They receive cash compensation instead, partly funded by public sales of shares.

Reports valued the settlement at about $3.3 billion.

Why the Settlement Matters

The deal removes the risk that siblings could vote Lachlan out after Rupert’s death. Coverage noted that the new arrangement is designed to last until 2050.

It also gives investors and employees a clearer picture of who will steer the companies for years.

Settlement Point Reported Detail
Date announced September 2025
Court case Nevada probate proceedings, resolved
Beneficiaries going forward Lachlan, Grace, and Chloe Murdoch
Departing beneficiaries Prudence, Elisabeth, and James
Class B shares sold About 16.9 million Fox and 14.2 million News Corp
Family holding company stake About 36.2% of Fox and 33.1% of News Corp Class B

Lachlan Murdoch Wife and Family

Lachlan Murdoch is married to Sarah Murdoch, an Australian television presenter and former model. She is widely known in Australia for her media career.

He is the eldest son of Rupert Murdoch. His siblings include James, Elisabeth, Prudence, Grace, and Chloe.

One article about both executives wrongly lists Sherry Cordani as Lachlan’s wife. Sherry Cordani is David Cordani’s wife, which shows how careless some pages are.

Lachlan Murdoch Net Worth

There is no audited figure for Lachlan Murdoch’s wealth. Business magazines estimate it from his stake in the family holdings and the value of Fox and News Corp shares.

Because the value moves with the stock market, any number you see is a snapshot. Treat estimates as approximate.

Why His Wealth Is Hard to Pin Down

Much of his influence comes from voting control through trust structures rather than from direct personal ownership. Control and personal net worth are different things.

For a look at how another media figure’s wealth is discussed, see this guide to Bianca Nobilo’s net worth.

David Cordani: Biography

David M. Cordani was born on February 10, 1966, and grew up in Connecticut. That makes him 60 years old as of October 2026.

He spent most of his career at a single company, a path that contrasts sharply with Murdoch’s family-business route.

Early Career

Before joining Cigna, Cordani worked at the accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand. Accounting gave him a foundation in finance and operations.

He joined Cigna in 1991 and moved through many functions over the next three decades.

Rise at Cigna

Cigna’s biographies list leadership roles in distribution, marketing, clinical management, underwriting, finance, and operations. He became president of Cigna HealthCare in 2005.

In 2008 he became president and chief operating officer, and in 2009 he became CEO.

David Cordani Age and Birthday

David Cordani was born on February 10, 1966. As of October 2026, he is 60 years old.

His age and birth date are consistent across reference sources, which makes it one of the more reliable personal details.

David Cordani Education

Cordani earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. Cigna and the World Economic Forum both list that degree.

He later earned an MBA from the University of Hartford, close to Cigna’s Connecticut base.

David Cordani Current Role: Executive Chair

On March 3, 2026, The Cigna Group announced that Cordani would retire as CEO effective July 1, 2026. He became Executive Chair of the Board on that date.

Brian Evanko, previously president and chief operating officer, succeeded him as CEO.

Who Is Brian Evanko?

Evanko has spent nearly 30 years at Cigna. Company filings show he served as CFO, then as head of Cigna Healthcare, before becoming president and COO in March 2025.

Cigna described the handoff as the result of a deliberate, multi-year succession plan.

What an Executive Chair Does

An executive chair works closely with the board and advises on strategy while the CEO runs day-to-day operations. It is a common step for long-serving CEOs.

The role keeps institutional knowledge in the company during a transition.

Common Mistake: Calling Him the Current CEO

Many older biographies still describe him as Cigna’s CEO. As of July 1, 2026, that title belongs to Brian Evanko.

Always check the date on any profile before repeating a title.

David Cordani and The Cigna Group

The Cigna Group is a global health company. Its major businesses include Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services, which includes Express Scripts.

Under Cordani, Cigna expanded through major acquisitions and the creation of Evernorth.

Growth Under His Leadership

Cigna’s proxy statement says the company grew from a traditional insurer serving 46 million customers and $18 billion in annual revenue. It became a global health company serving more than 185 million customer relationships and about $275 billion in annual revenue.

Trade reporting also cited 2025 revenue of about $274.9 billion.

Measure Early in Cordani’s Tenure Recent Figure
Customers or relationships 46 million More than 185 million
Annual revenue About $18 billion About $275 billion
Business model Traditional insurer Integrated health services company

Express Scripts and Evernorth

The combination with Express Scripts added pharmacy benefit services at massive scale. Evernorth became the home for pharmacy, specialty care, and virtual care businesses.

These moves changed how Cigna earns money and how it competes in health care.

Regulatory Scrutiny

Reports in 2026 noted that Cigna settled a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit tied to pharmacy reimbursement practices at Express Scripts. The deal required changes to certain operations.

Large health companies face intense public and regulatory attention, and Cigna is no exception.

David Cordani Wife and Family

David Cordani is married to Sherry Cordani. Together they founded The David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation.

The foundation reflects the family’s focus on community health and well-being.

David Cordani Public Service and Athletic Life

Cigna biographies describe Cordani as an accomplished triathlete with more than 125 triathlons completed. Endurance sport is a notable part of his public image.

He has also supported groups such as Achilles International’s Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans and ChildObesity180.

Board Service

Biographies list his appointment to the General Mills board in 2014 and to the U.S.-India Business Council board in 2015.

Outside board roles are common for CEOs. They broaden perspective and strengthen business networks.

David Cordani Net Worth

No official net worth figure exists for David Cordani. One investor-tracking site estimates at least $9.69 million, based only on his reported Cigna shares as of mid-2026.

That figure counts a single type of asset and does not reflect total wealth.

How to Read Executive Wealth Estimates

Public filings show shares held and shares sold. They do not show homes, other investments, or private holdings.

Use filing-based numbers as a floor, not a total.

Lachlan Murdoch vs. David Cordani: Side-by-Side Comparison

The two leaders came to the top by different roads. One inherited a family enterprise and had to prove himself. The other climbed inside a public company for decades.

Factor Lachlan Murdoch David Cordani
Path to leadership Family succession and control through trusts Internal promotion at a public company
Time in top role Leader of Fox since its 2019 creation; News Corp chair since 2023 CEO of Cigna for nearly 17 years
Industry pressures Audience shifts, streaming, politics, advertising Health costs, regulation, pharmacy benefits
2026 headline Control secured under the family trust settlement Transition from CEO to executive chair
Public image High-profile media owner Health industry executive and triathlete

What Their Leadership Styles Suggest

Public records do not describe their private management styles, so comparisons rely on actions and structure. Murdoch’s authority rests on ownership and succession. Cordani’s rests on tenure and operating results.

Both oversee organizations with thousands of employees and complex stakeholder demands.

The One Documented Link: The 2019 Business Roundtable Statement

In 2019, the Business Roundtable released a Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation. The signatories list includes Lachlan K. Murdoch of Fox Corporation and David M. Cordani of Cigna.

The statement said companies should serve customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and shareholders.

What That Means

Appearing on the same list does not mean they work together. Dozens of chief executives signed.

It shows they belonged to the same large business association at the same time, nothing more.

Other Public Overlaps

Both men also appeared on an As You Sow list of the most overpaid CEOs for 2023, according to a business-school news site. Shared lists show similar visibility, not a relationship.

Are Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani Business Partners?

No verified evidence shows that they are business partners. One profile explicitly states that there is no verified family relationship, formal partnership, or joint corporate venture.

Fox and Cigna operate in separate industries with separate boards and shareholders.

Are They Related?

No. Murdoch’s family tree centers on Rupert Murdoch and his children. Cordani’s family details are separate and private.

Any page implying a family link should be treated as unreliable.

Do Their Companies Work Together?

No public source shows a contract or alliance between Fox Corporation and The Cigna Group. Large companies may share vendors or advertisers, but that is not a partnership.

Why Media and Health Leaders Get Compared

Both industries face rapid change, public scrutiny, and heavy regulation. Both depend on trust from audiences or customers.

Writers like to compare how leaders manage technology, data, and shifting expectations.

Technology Pressure in Media

Media companies must compete with streaming, social platforms, and changing ad markets. That requires constant investment in digital products.

Newsrooms also face questions about credibility and political perception.

Technology Pressure in Health Care

Health companies use data and automation to manage costs and care. They also face debates over affordability, access, and fairness.

Cigna’s leadership has spoken publicly about using data, technology, and AI to simplify the business.

Succession Planning in Both Cases

Both stories feature succession. Murdoch’s case was a family and legal process. Cordani’s was a planned corporate handoff.

Together they show two ways large organizations prepare for the next era.

Leadership Lessons From Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani

Observers draw practical lessons from both careers. These are interpretations of public events, not statements from either executive.

Plan Succession Early

Cigna’s multi-year plan led to a smooth transition. The Murdoch settlement shows what can happen when succession is contested.

Clear plans reduce uncertainty for employees and investors.

Build Experience Across Functions

Cordani’s résumé spans finance, underwriting, marketing, and operations. Murdoch’s spans newspapers, radio, and television.

Broad experience helps leaders understand how an entire business fits together.

Expect Public Scrutiny

Both leaders operate in sectors that draw intense attention. Media power and health costs are both topics the public cares about.

Transparency and consistent communication help organizations respond.

Adapt as Industries Shift

Cigna transformed from a traditional insurer into a global health services company. Fox navigated a major corporate reorganization when it became a standalone company in 2019.

Both examples show that long-term success often requires reinventing the business model.

For another take on executive profiles, see this biography of Peter Orszag, CEO of Lazard.

Media Leadership in Context

Lachlan Murdoch’s role sits in a broader landscape of media executives who shape news, sports, and entertainment. Consolidation and streaming have changed what leading a media company means.

To explore another high-profile media leader, read about David Zaslav and Conor McGregor.

How to Verify Facts About Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani

Executive profiles go out of date quickly. Titles, ownership, and company results change.

Use a short checklist before you trust or repeat a claim.

  1. Check the company’s official leadership page.
  2. Read the latest SEC filings, such as 8-K and proxy statements.
  3. Confirm dates on press releases and news coverage.
  4. Treat content that mixes up spouses, titles, or companies as unreliable.

Source Reliability Table

Source Type Best For Trust Level
SEC filings and proxy statements Titles, dates, compensation, succession High
Company press releases Official announcements High
Major news outlets Context and reporting High
Business school or research sites Rankings and analysis Medium
Generic comparison blogs Leads to investigate Low

Common Myths About Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani

Misinformation spreads easily when two famous names appear together. A few myths show up repeatedly.

Myth: They Are Business Partners

No verified evidence supports this. Their companies operate independently.

Myth: They Are Related

There is no family connection between the two.

Myth: David Cordani Is Still Cigna’s CEO

He stepped down as CEO on July 1, 2026, and now serves as Executive Chair. Brian Evanko is CEO.

Myth: Sherry Cordani Is Lachlan Murdoch’s Wife

She is David Cordani’s wife. Lachlan Murdoch’s wife is Sarah Murdoch.

Myth: Lachlan Murdoch Only Runs Fox

He is Executive Chair and CEO of Fox Corporation and also Chair of News Corp.

Why People Search for Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani

Readers usually want to know one of three things. They want to confirm the connection, compare careers, or check current titles.

Some are researching corporate governance, succession, or executive pay for school or work.

What Searchers Should Take Away

The pairing is a comparison, not a partnership. Each leader deserves to be understood on his own terms.

Verified titles and dates matter more than any single comparison article.

Quick Timeline of Key Events

Year Event
1991 David Cordani joins Cigna
2000 to 2005 Lachlan Murdoch serves as Deputy COO of 21st Century Fox
2005 Murdoch moves into an advisory role and focuses on his own ventures
2009 David Cordani becomes CEO of Cigna
March 2014 Lachlan Murdoch becomes Non-Executive Co-Chairman of 21st Century Fox
2019 Both sign the Business Roundtable statement; Fox Corporation becomes a standalone company
2023 Rupert Murdoch steps back; Lachlan leads News Corp and Fox
September 2025 Murdoch family trust settlement gives Lachlan control
March 2026 Cigna announces Brian Evanko will succeed Cordani
July 1, 2026 Cordani becomes Executive Chair; Evanko becomes CEO

How Control Differs From Ownership

Many readers confuse owning shares with controlling a company. The two are not the same thing.

Companies can issue different share classes. Some carry voting power, while others carry mostly economic value.

Why Class B Shares Matter at Fox and News Corp

Reports on the 2025 settlement focused on Class B shares, which confer control over both media companies. A family holding company now holds roughly a third of those shares in each business.

That stake gives the family strong influence over board elections and major decisions.

Why This Differs From Cigna

Cigna is a widely held public company. Its board and shareholders hold the CEO accountable, and no single family controls it.

That structural difference explains why a CEO handoff at Cigna looks so unlike a succession story at the Murdoch companies.

How a CEO-to-Executive-Chair Transition Works

Cordani’s move follows a pattern seen at many large companies. The outgoing CEO stays on to support the new leader.

The goal is continuity. Customers, regulators, and employees see a stable handoff rather than a sudden change.

Typical Steps in a Planned Handoff

  1. The board names a successor and announces a future start date.
  2. The outgoing and incoming leaders work together during a transition period.
  3. The new CEO takes over day-to-day operations on the effective date.
  4. The former CEO moves into a chair role with a defined scope.

What the Public Should Watch

Look for a clear division of duties. The CEO runs the business, while the executive chair supports the board and long-term strategy.

Cigna’s filings describe exactly this structure, with Evanko as CEO and Cordani as Executive Chair.

What Fox Corporation Does Day to Day

Fox Corporation operates television, news, sports, and streaming businesses. Its portfolio is built around live programming and news, which tends to attract large audiences.

The company became a standalone public business in 2019, after other 21st Century Fox assets were sold to Disney.

Why Live Programming Matters

Live news and sports are hard to replace with on-demand viewing. Advertisers value the large, simultaneous audiences they deliver.

That gives the company a distinct position among media businesses.

What The Cigna Group Does Day to Day

Cigna serves people through health insurance and pharmacy benefit services. Its work touches customers, employers, doctors, and pharmacies.

Evernorth, its health services arm, handles pharmacy and care services, while Cigna Healthcare focuses on coverage.

Why Health Companies Draw Public Attention

Health costs affect nearly every household. Decisions about coverage, drug prices, and reimbursement attract scrutiny from lawmakers and the press.

That scrutiny shapes how health executives communicate and plan.

What Corporate Governance Means for Both Leaders

Governance is the system of rules that guides how a company is run. It covers boards, voting rights, executive pay, and shareholder protections.

Both leaders operate inside governance systems, but those systems look very different.

Governance at the Murdoch Companies

Family trusts and share classes shape who holds power. The 2025 settlement was largely about locking in that structure for the future.

Governance at Cigna

Cigna relies on a board of directors, committees, and regular proxy statements. Shareholders vote on directors and executive pay.

These documents are public, which makes verifying facts about Cordani easier than verifying private family details.

Reading Executive Compensation Data Carefully

Compensation figures appear in proxy statements and rankings. They are useful but easy to misread.

A headline number may include stock awards, which are valued on paper and may never be paid out in that amount.

What Rankings Can and Cannot Tell You

A list like As You Sow’s overpaid CEO ranking compares pay to company performance and worker pay. It reflects the ranking group’s method and opinions.

Treat such lists as one viewpoint, not a final verdict on any leader.

Also Read

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani?

Lachlan Murdoch is Executive Chair and CEO of Fox Corporation and Chair of News Corp. David Cordani is Executive Chair of The Cigna Group and its former CEO.

Are Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani business partners?

No verified source shows a partnership or joint venture. They lead separate companies in different industries.

Are Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani related?

No. There is no known family connection between them.

Why are Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani searched together?

Comparison articles group them as examples of top executives from different fields. They also both signed a 2019 Business Roundtable statement.

What is the connection between Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani?

The documented connection is membership among the signatories of the 2019 Business Roundtable Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation. Beyond that, nothing verified links them.

What does Lachlan Murdoch do?

He leads Fox Corporation as Executive Chair and CEO and chairs News Corp. Together the companies include Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post.

How old is Lachlan Murdoch?

He was born on September 8, 1971, so he is 55 as of October 2026.

Where did Lachlan Murdoch go to college?

He attended Princeton University.

Who is Lachlan Murdoch’s wife?

He is married to Sarah Murdoch, an Australian television presenter and former model.

Who controls Fox Corporation and News Corp?

Under the September 2025 family trust settlement, voting control rests with Lachlan Murdoch through new trust arrangements. His sisters Grace and Chloe are also beneficiaries.

What happened to Lachlan Murdoch’s siblings in the settlement?

James, Elisabeth, and Prudence ceased to be beneficiaries in trusts holding Fox and News Corp shares. They received cash through separate trusts instead.

What is Lachlan Murdoch’s net worth?

No official figure exists. Estimates vary with Fox and News Corp share prices and with how family holdings are counted.

What does David Cordani do?

He is Executive Chair of the Board of The Cigna Group. He led the company as CEO from 2009 until July 1, 2026.

Is David Cordani still the CEO of Cigna?

No. Brian Evanko became CEO on July 1, 2026, and Cordani became Executive Chair.

Why did David Cordani step down as CEO?

Cigna described it as a planned succession after nearly 17 years of leadership. He retired from the CEO role and remains on the board.

How old is David Cordani?

He was born on February 10, 1966, so he is 60 as of October 2026.

Where did David Cordani go to school?

He earned a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University and an MBA at the University of Hartford.

Who is David Cordani’s wife?

He is married to Sherry Cordani. They founded The David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation.

What is David Cordani’s net worth?

No official total is published. One tracking site estimates at least $9.69 million based only on reported Cigna shares.

How much did Cigna grow under David Cordani?

Cigna’s proxy statement says it grew from 46 million customers and $18 billion in revenue to more than 185 million customer relationships and about $275 billion in revenue.

Is David Cordani an athlete?

Cigna biographies describe him as an accomplished triathlete with more than 125 triathlons.

Who replaced David Cordani at Cigna?

Brian Evanko, previously president and chief operating officer, succeeded him as CEO.

Did Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani sign the same business statement?

Yes. Both appear among the signatories of the 2019 Business Roundtable Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation.

Where can I confirm current titles for both leaders?

Check Fox Corporation’s and The Cigna Group’s official leadership pages and their latest SEC filings. Those sources update first.

Conclusion

Lachlan Murdoch and David Cordani are best understood as two separate leaders whose careers happen to be compared. One leads a media empire shaped by family succession and a landmark 2025 trust settlement. The other spent nearly 17 years steering Cigna before moving to executive chair in July 2026.

No verified evidence ties them together through family, partnership, or a joint business. Their documented overlap is a shared signature on a 2019 corporate purpose statement and similar scrutiny in public rankings.

When you research executives, rely on SEC filings, company announcements, and major news reporting. Check dates carefully, because titles change, and avoid pages that mix up spouses or companies.

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