  We introduce a model for the adaptive evolution of a network of company
ownerships. In a recent work it has been shown that the empirical global
network of corporate control is marked by a central, tightly connected "core"
made of a small number of large companies which control a significant part of
the global economy. Here we show how a simple, adaptive "rich get richer"
dynamics can account for this characteristic, which incorporates the increased
buying power of more influential companies, and in turn results in even higher
control. We conclude that this kind of centralized structure can emerge without
it being an explicit goal of these companies, or as a result of a
well-organized strategy.
