Product details

This is the first in a three part case series (IMD-3-0423 to IMD-3-0425). Nestle SA is the world's largest food company; its acquisitions of Rowntree plc in 1988 was, at 2.5 billion GB Sterling, the largest-ever foreign takeover of a British company. This case series is positioned before, during, and after the acquisition of Rowntree by Nestle, and gives an 'inside look' at a major acquisition. This case (A) includes a note on the world chocolate industry, and ends at the point when Nestle must decide whether to launch a hostile bid for Rowntree. The case is written from Nestle's point of view, and provides the opportunity to consider the benefit of various acquisition possibilities in the industry. The case also raises questions as to why Rowntree became a takeover target, and on Nestle's historical policy of not making hostile takeovers.