takeovers and mergers

==merger-== method of external growth. its a combination of two separate businesses to make a new business.

examples; ee - orange and t mobile

  • can cut costs
  • grow rev and increase profits

==takeover -== one business taking control of another business

example; Microsoft took over linked in

  • most common form of external growth
  • it can increase market share
  • acquire new skills
  • access economies of scale
  • secure better distribution
  • spread risks by diversifying
  • eliminate comp

why takeovers might be needed;

  • existing products are in later stage of life cycle - can’t grow organically
  • business lacks expertise/ resources
  • speed of growth is high priority

drawbacks;

  • risky method
  • high cost
  • upset customers and suppliers
  • problems of integration - change of management
  • incompatibility of management styles, structure and culture

why they fail;

  • price paid was too high - over estimate of synergies ( idea that the value/ performance of 2 companies combined will be better than the sum of individual parts)

  • poor communication.

  • loss of key personnel and customers