Complex sentence: In October 1987, Texas oilman Cyril Wagner, Jr. and Jack E. Brown, through Desert Partners, LP, attempted a hostile takeover of USG, buying 9.84% of USG's outstanding stock.
Split into simpler sentences: In October 1987, Texas oilman Cyril Wagner, Jr. and Jack Brown attempted a hostile takeover of USG. Working as Desert Partners, L. P. Wagner and Brown bought 9.84% of USG's outstanding stock.