Subject category:
Strategy and General Management
Published by:
INSEAD
Version: 10.2004
Length: 25 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
This is the first in a four part case series (389-006-1 to 389-009-1), which can be taught by itself or followed by the Francoplast (B) case. It allows discussion of how the decision-making process in large, complex firms, creates problems for acquisition management. It describes the acquisition by ''Eurochem'' - European part of ''Unichem'', a large US chemical firm - of Francoplast, a small French family firm making pipes, as the nucleus of a pipe systems business in Europe. The review process within Unichem''s matrix structure is described, but many questions still remain, amongst them how to run this acquisition as a ''free-standing venture''.
About
Abstract
This is the first in a four part case series (389-006-1 to 389-009-1), which can be taught by itself or followed by the Francoplast (B) case. It allows discussion of how the decision-making process in large, complex firms, creates problems for acquisition management. It describes the acquisition by ''Eurochem'' - European part of ''Unichem'', a large US chemical firm - of Francoplast, a small French family firm making pipes, as the nucleus of a pipe systems business in Europe. The review process within Unichem''s matrix structure is described, but many questions still remain, amongst them how to run this acquisition as a ''free-standing venture''.