Book Description

This second edition provides an exhaustive analysis of the European Community rules relating to merger control, including the new EC Merger Regulation 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 which entered into force on 1 May 2004 and the latest interpretive notices adopted by the European Commission. The book draws upon the authors' detailed and practical knowledge of the subject as officials at DG Competition and practitioners specialising in this field, and will be updated through a companion website. ... Read more

Book Description

The inside account of the Daimler-Benz takeover of the Chrysler Corporation, a historic merger that has become a test case for business in the 21st century. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Truely an insider story...
A very candid, insightful and easy to read accounts of what went on behind the scene of the DaimlerChrysler meger, begining with a good intro on the backgrounds / history of these 2 organisation... A very well written book. ... Read more

Book Description

In today's business environment, changes come in staggering succession: mergers, acquisitions, rightsizing, downsizing, restructuring.As accountants, lawyers and executives scrutinize these changes for bottom-line impact, they pay little attention to how change will affect an organization's culture or how its culture will affect change.This dooms many corporate change initiatives before they even start.A whopping 75 percent of change initiatives fail within the first three years.Getting Your Shift Together: Making Sense of Organizational Culture and Change explains - in plain English - why companies need to conduct a cultural assessment like Cultural Due Diligence before embarking on any change initiative.

Bouchard and Pellet say that nothing can be more deadly to an organization's long-term ability to sustain change and grow than a dysfunctional "incongruent" culture that depends on the old "do as I say, not as I do" method of leadership.An "incongruent" culture destroys morale, decimates productivity and encourages workers to resist and even sabotage change.Therefore, the authors offer techniques and tools, such as their own Cultural Due Diligence process, to measure the congruence of an organization's culture and to reshape it into a healthy - and successful - congruent culture. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Accurate Picture
Having endured three acquisitions with one company, two down-sizings with another, being subjected to two subsequent layoffs with two companies, and forming my own consulting business, I found "Getting Your Shift Together" a very accurate outline of what is missed during critical times of change. It is refreshing in that it clearly identifies not only what is overlooked but also why we so often ignore what is squarely in front of us. While the book is actually a quick read, I read it slowly (some text repeatedly), often finding myself pondering its insightful truths. Getting an accurate picture of an organization's culture is critical to its longevity. Reading this book should be anyone's first step in gaining such a focus. The book gives the reader pause as it clearly shows how and why we hide from the truths that surround us. I reflected back to the line in "A Few Good Men" when Jack Nicholson says to Tom Cruise, "You can't handle the truth!" While truth may be hard to handle, in business we can't survive the lies and denial! Honesty rings through this book, moving the reader to examine his/her own world. What are the reigning values? Where is the trust? What's next? Take the Culture Health IndexTM and find out what your organization's culture really looks like. Be advised - this is not for the faint of heart, but it's also for anyone who still harbors any hope for surviving an upcoming change (and emerging as a leader) in his or her organization. "Getting Your Shift Together" is one of the best books I've read in a long, long time.

Cultural Due Diligence (tm)
The writers (Lizz & PJ of EMERGE) have taken an unknown, amorphous concept and developed it into the leading organizational management tool and process, Cultural Due Diligence (tm). This book explains the Cultural Due Diligence (tm) process, its importance to all business organizations and its implementation and review. Lizz & PJ of EMERGE are well-known for their seminars on Cultural Due Diligence(tm) and the book is a wonderful desk reference. It has also been picked up by several universities as required reading in business curriculum.

Makes you think -- worth a read
My favorite part is the point that when change initiatives fail, things never go back to the way they were before. This book makes you think about your blind spots, and how to not let them get in the way of making change work. The authors come off credible, with a "in the trenches" perspective. A good reality check.

Getting Your Shift Together
This book contains a great analysis of American business today. In an everchanging and fastpaced work environment focused on the bottom line, Pellett and Bouchard suggest that it is an organization's culture which will have the biggest impact to profitability and success. In a well written and easy style their narrative captured my attention with real-life anecdotes and solutions to business problems and challenges. Their cultural due diligence model is one that should be embraced by all companies wanting to improve productivity, quality, customer satisfaction and profits. Read it and give it to every CEO, Board Member and VP you know! ... Read more

Book Description

Are you a corporate or institutional executive or a financial, accounting, or legal professional who is involved in the acquisition or divestiture of businesses? If so, The McGraw-Hill Guide to Acquiring and Divesting Businesses is the first single-volume, how-to-do-it M&A reference, providing valuable information and in-depth coverage of everything from acquisition planning to post-closing integration. Packed with numerous examples, diagrams, checklists, forms, passages excerpted from standards, laws, and regulations, and references to other sources, this comprehensive resource is all you need to be well-informed in all aspects of acquisition and divestiture transactions. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One point source for M& A in the US market
I found this book to have -- all that i wanted to know -- for M & A process, facts and handling a M&A in the US Market ... Read more

Book Description

Will the early years of the new century continue to witness the huge growth in merger and acquisition activity which marked the end of the last? The chances are that they will - witness the value of deals carried out by the top five investment banks in the first quarter of 2001 alone ($456.2 billion). The quest for the golden fleece is alive and well.Will the majority of M&As continue to fail to achieve their potential value? This book is about breaking out of the cycle of grand strategy, great prospects, poor implementation, lost opportunities.The authors believe that it is possible for M&As to realise their value - and more.

Bringing home the golden fleece involves more than just setting sail in quest for riches.It's about understanding the destination/end game, and working out the most appropriate route.This book has been written with the practitioner in mind, with the thirteen chapters split into three sections.The first section provides an overview of the merger process and outlining the key elements of success.Section Two focuses on the nuts & bolts of managing the integration process - from transition to full integration.Illustrated by a detailed case study of Articon Integralis AG, the leading supplier of IT Security Solutions and Services in Europe.The final section looks at the themes that can make or break mergers - creating the culture of the new organisation, communications, retention and the roles of line managers and HR.Each section is supported by checklists that should be helpful whether you are a novice at the merger game or an expert.

Contains tools, recommendations/checklists designed to help practitioners survive and thrive in a M&A situation.
Supported by a wealth of acclaimed research & case studies conducted by Roffey Park.One core case study Articon Intergralis is followed throughout the book plus other examples from global companies including Citicorp, Deutsche Bank, BP Amoco and Siemens.
User-friendly guide to M&A's which will be helpful to not only the core audience of HR professionals but CEO's, transition teams, line managers and anyone who wants to understand how to make mergers work. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

REAP THE BENEFITS OF THIS GREAT BOOK!
This book explores different aspects of the mechanics of a merger, but focuses on how to build the intangibles which ensure success. Written for practitioners, it suggests tools and approaches. The authors point out classic merger pitfalls, give an overview of the merger process, and spotlight the key elements for success: getting the business strategy right and understanding what needs to be managed on the people side. Primary topics covered include: business strategy integration; managing the planning and implementation process; building a culture that supports the business strategy; structuring the organization; placing people in the right jobs and retaining them; and integrating systems, including information and people management systems. Comprehensive, rich in content, and superbly organized. A great buy! ... Read more

Book Description

A nontechnical explanation of M&As and how they can dramatically grow a company

Mergers and Acquisitions Basics provides senior-level executives with essential answers to questions about the nature of M&As and the steps involved in executing M&As for the first time. It explains what key events, processes, and issues a buyer and seller must consider during a merger, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. By using this book, executives can avoid costs and fatal mistakes, and maximize the financial and operational value of the deal.

Michael E. S. Frankel, JD (Arlington, VA), is a seasoned finance and business development executive with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, complex finance transactions, corporate strategy, and business development transactions. He has led more than 100 transactions and has worked on hundreds more. ... Read more

Book Description

Mergers and acquisitions have become the most dramatic demonstration of vision and strategy in the corporate world. With one single move you can change the course of your company, the careers of your managers and create value for your shareholders.Throughout the last decade mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have dominated the world economic scene. International Mergers & Acquisitions focuses on the financial, cultural and strategic aspects of international M&A activity and has a global, cross-cultural perspective. It presents a strategic view of the M&A process, examining managerial decision making in the planning, execution and post-merger phases. This reader provides a long awaited addition to existing International Business texts. Although there is much research interest in the subject, it is the first of its kind to deliver information in a usable text for courses on mergers and acquisitions from an international point of view. International Mergers and Acquisitions therefore fills a gap and presents a state of the art survey of this vital global phenomenon. Suitable for MBA, MSc and senior undergraduate students of International Business and Strategic Management. ... Read more

Book Description

This book focuses on the importance of organizational and human factors in the long-term success of mergers. While the failure of many of the 1980's mergers points to the need to implement the merger of two organizations as cultural entities, much of the focus has been on pre-merger financial planning. This volume explores the roles of organizational culture, strategy, leadership, and structure in combining two organizations. Special attention is paid to the need for the two merger partners to negotiate the process of implementation rather than to have similar cultures. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Don't sell your company until you read this book
I run one of those few start ups that has survivied. I've had several offers from competitors in the brick and motar world to buy my business. Some offers were very interesting and others I've since learned were less than honest. Keogh's book helps me identify good candidates for purchasing my company and shows me serious pitfalls to avoid. This is a good little book that explains all the ins and outs about e-mergers and buying and selling a company. I highly recommend this book.

Avoid costly mistakes by reading this book
I owned one of those start up dot coms that found a niche in the market and actually made a profiting when funding dried up. I had offers from a number of established traditional companies to take over my business. Fortunately, I stumbled over this book in time to avoid making potentially costly mistakes. I strongly recommend anyone thinking of selling their e-business to read this book before looking for buyers. You'll avoid a lot of pitfalls.

A must for anyone thinking about selling or buying a dot com
Ken Allard of Jupiter Media Metrix is correct when he says this book is a comprehensive guide to M&A for anyone who wants to acquire cheap assets and build a winner from the rubble. Keogh walks you through all the fine details of buying and selling a dot com. I found particularly interesting the coverage of real world experiences of those who have worked through their own deals. It's as if you're getting the how to's and what worked what to avoid all in one very readable book. Good job. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Michael Cunningham believes online alliances are one of the most effective tools for developing the power and leverage needed to prosper in today's business world. An avid practitioner of such arrangements in his own Harvard Computing Group consulting firm, Cunningham presents a strong argument for these affiliations, along with a comprehensive guide to their creation in Partners.com. "Today, it is no longer possible for firms to do it all alone," he writes. "Whether it is hardware for a computer system, a hosting service to provide e-commerce capabilities, or a distribution partner that will sell and service products, partners are essential." Showing precisely why these associations are particularly potent in areas like sales, finance, and distribution, Cunningham details the steps involved in their formation and implementation, beginning with the partnership he considers most essential: the one that must be forged between organizations and their employees before any of these others can even hope to succeed. Drawing upon winning coalitions created by B2B and B2C endeavors such as eBay, GoFish.com and Convistint, Cunningham then delves into everything from the technology involved to the contracts required. The result is a thorough examination aimed at those serious about finding innovative ways to improve their operations. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A REAL WORLD GUIDE TO PARTNERSHIPS
Complex topics such as partnerships tend to be covered in a very fragmented manner. Partners.com does not have this problem. Cunningham ably deals with the people, process, technology and market issues that forge partnerships, but also how to manage, measure and change them. Rarely are these areas covered in sufficient detail, but here there is a roadmap with milestones and strategies that are working in the marketplace. Partners.com does for partnerships what Patti Seybold's Customers.com did for customer relationships. A classic!

Don't be fooled by the .com in the title- this is for all
This book is a prize! For those that are looking for the details behind partnerships the information here is not only relevant, but very comprehensive. The mixture of technology, strategy and culture required to pull of good partnerships is difficult for organizations trying to make it happen. Cunningham provides not only a great roadmap, but illustrated with real world examples of what has and has not worked. Do not be fooled by the .com in the title, this book is targeted at all businesses. I particularly liked the sections on self-service Partnerships and the "most important partners, your staff". A practical piece with great strategic insight. Organizations will be able to use this to hone their competitiveness, internal and external consultants will buy to emulate all that has been learned on this topic. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether or not you use a broker, this volume will enable you to maximize the sale price of your business. Even if you are breaking even or losing money this manual will help you find prospective buyers and present the aspects that make it valuable to them. It is a step-by-step guide through the buy/sell process, the dangers of providing inside information, using confidentiality agreements, finding prospects, dealing with brokers, valuing the business, negotiating the deal, tax and legal issues. ... Read more

Book Description

Topics include: Financial structure in mergers and acquisitions * financing acquisitions through equity * financing acquisitions through debt and hybrid securities * off-balance sheet financing.--This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The introductory of Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and Acquisitions is a very difficult topic in the Corporate Finance, and it is the hot issue in this business world nowadays and it is one of the major strategies for company expansion and entry a new market.

The book Mergers and Acquisitions is a guide for investors and businessmen to know how to use mergers and acquisition. By using simple wordings and clear structure, the readers can understand the brief ideas easily.

Mergers and acquisitions, this book would let you know the differences between mergers and acquisitions, also more in-depth to each strategy, the takeover process, even the valuation process and regulation of major financial markets. With the comprehensive explanation and clear and popular examples, the readers would learn easier.

And in some difficult topic, real cases are given and help to illustrate the ideas. After reading this book, a reader should have brief ideas on the strategies to mergers with others and acquisition, the process need to do, the regulation need to notice. Also, for a target companies, you would know what things should be done in order to defence and refuse the offer or how company protect itself and ensure to achieve win-win situation.

The concept in this book is very simple and easy to read, but it may be its weakness. For an investor, this book only provides an introduction to reader for knowing some basic concepts of mergers and acquisitions, you do not expect to understand in-depth. The calculation is very simple, but the book would not give you more insights on how to choose the valuation method in the real business world. Actually, mergers and acquisitions are not only a corporate finance theory, it is difficult to judge or use the same successful formula or theory when the environment in each case is quite different. And I would say the book is more concerned on the theory rather than practical case. If you really want to know how to do mergers and acquisition in the real business world, this book may not be a good book or good reference for you.

Another weakness is that there is not enough explanation in the example, you will only know this example is related to this topic, but the readers cannot know how the strategy can apply in this example, and what is the differences of this example from that. And I think the readers would like to know more about it. ... Read more

Book Description

Behind the media headlines that chronicle the successes--as well as the charges of fraud, abuse, and ethical misconduct--of today's corporate medical giants lies the story of the Wall Street players who are determining the structure of our future health systems. Independent hospitals and clinics, small medical technology companies, solo practitioners, and consumers alike acknowledge that the big business
principles driving the frenzy of mergers and acquisitions are bringing the long-awaited rewards of accountability and predictability to the fragmented healthcare industry. But at what cost?

Sandy Lutz, a renowned medical business reporter and investment analyst, and Big Six accounting firm partners Woodrin Grossman and John Bigalke provide their insiders' insights into the financial workings of Wall Street's mighty medical corporations--a class the authors refer to as Med Incorporated. With an in-depth study of the most notable leader, Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp., plus illustrative examples of other medical giants, Lutz and her coauthors demonstrate how these Med Inc. companies excel in managing capital, information, risk, and government regulation--the four key success factors to achieving operational efficiency and market dominance. They show how the missions and operations of investor-owned companies compare with their noninvestor-owned counterparts and examine how current technological and market developments will shape the future of health systems.

... Read more

Reviews (2)

Book rejected by time
Writer is a complete believer of for profit companies save the healthcare industry. But the examples she gave as the future of healthcare mostly bankrupt or having great legal problems now... such as PhyCor and HealthSouth... So the revolution of Nashville went bust... Book believes consolidation will save healthcare but we had this experience with big conglomerates in 70s... I am saying book does not provide any insight about healthcare... Writer had a pink dream with the abundance of capital in 90s... Now the heroes are dead with debt and fraud...

The best book on the corporate takeover of health care.
The health care industry is complicated, but this book will make it less so for its readers. Sandy Lutz and her coauthors not only know their stuff, but also can write clearly and compellingly about the role of money in health care. Primarily intended for health care professionals, but relevant to all people working in American business, this book offers a clear-headed analysis of what today's health care entrepreneurs do that's right -- as well as what's wrong. My interest in health care is primarily policial, but even for readers whose interest social, clinical, financial, or just personal, no one should pass up this fine book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hard to follow
I believe it contained information that nobody but the people in those companies such aas MedPartners. I only read the book because I know of the author and am related to someone that worked for MedPartners who had thebook. For the author, time will tell if he took the opportunity andapparently a lot of money to start his new company to believe him. ... Read more

Book Description

In today¿s hypercompetitive global economy bigger is usually better, and one of the fastest ways to grow a company is through mergers and acquisitions. Now, in a book that will be a source of inspiration and ideas for every ambitious business person, reporter Curt Schleier acquaints readers with the personalities behind some of the most spectacular M&As of the past decade. From Cisco¿s John Chambers to Juergen Schrempp of DaimlerChrysler, from Sumner Redstone of Viacom to Disney¿s Michael Eisner, readers find out how ten of today¿s best business minds operate¿why they chose M&As over organic growth, what their dealmaking strate ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Must Read
I must admit that my knowledge of M & A is very limited. That is why I found this book by Curt Schleier so valuable.
It is well written, easy to read & clearly guides you through the basics of understanding M & A & the giants that have dominated the field.
The lessons to be learned from these industry leaders are applicable to any business. Those presented in this book are a must for anyone striving for advancement to the top levels.

A must read!
Masters of M&A is extremely insightful. Learning some of the general philosophy's of some of the worlds greatest businessmen has unbelievable beneficial lessons for anyone. I think this book is a must read. I only wish I could have read this book earlier as I could have applied some of the principles that I learned earlier to my own company.

Excellent
Masters of M&A is extremely insightful. Learning some of the general philosophy's of some of the worlds greatest businessmen has unbelievable beneficial lessons for anyone. I think this book is a must read. I only wish I could have read this book earlier as I could have applied some of the principles that I learned earlier to my own company.

A MUST READ
Masters of M&A is extremely insightful. Learning some of the general philosophy's of some of the worlds greatest businessmen has unbelievable beneficial lessons for anyone. I think this book is a must read. I only wish I could have read this book earlier as I could have applied some of the principles that I learned earlier to my own company.

Marc Klein, CFO
YPRX, Inc.

Great Book
Curt Shleier's Masters of M&A is thrilling -- a must read for anyone aspiring to be a great business leader.
-Peter ... Read more

Book Description

Typically, when big innovations are initiated in organizations, improvement efforts are put in place without careful consideration for how they will play out on the micro level. As a result, they often die on the vine. Rapid Results! solves the problem of successful implementation. It describes how the use of rapid-cycle, or 100-day, projects quickly achieves results, thereby multiplying an organization’s power to succeed at large-scale change. The book specifically outlines the concept behind 100-day projects and how to set up the architecture for it; how to improve performance and attain hard results in the "soft" areas of management; how to build results into major organizational change, such as reorganization, acquisition, and integration; and how even leadership development and culture change can benefit from the Rapid Results! approach.

Robert H. Schaffer (Stamford, CT) is founder of Robert H. Schaffer & Associates. He is the author of High-Impact Consulting (0-7879-6049-7). Ron N. Ashkenas (Stamford, CT) is Managing Partner at Robert H. Schaffer & Associates and an acclaimed coach to CEOs and corporate staff. He is the coauthor of ... Read more

Book Description

In today's turbulent market, managers are under relentless pressure to increase shareholder value. Restructuring for Growth takes an in-depth look at IPOs, carve-outs, spin-offs, and other increasingly common value-enhancement techniques.

With emphasis on the special requirements of growth companies, this uncompromising book provides case studies and analyses of actual restructuring events­­what worked, what didn't, and why­­and discusses techniques for delivering increased value after the transaction.

Reviews (2)

A timely guide
Michaelson's book is thorough, well written and amply illustrated with pertinent examples. The book is quite timely in this day of corporate collapse and I rate it as a must read for not only businessmen but B-school students as well.

A must for CEO's, CFO's, and those who want to be.
Growing businesses must evolve to remain competitive in a changing world. Emphasis on acquisitions and getting bigger is being replaced by focus on core competence. Divesting, selling or spinning off, businesses that are a drag or can't contribute to growth or profits, has become essential to enhancing shareholder value, saving jobs, and strengthening the enterprise. Description, analysis, case studies, and examples give a clear picture of this essential element to business strategy in the 21st Century. Restructuring for Growth is must reading for Chief Executives, CEOs, Chief Financial Officers, CFOs, and those who want to be. ... Read more

Book Description

In reaction to the continually changing business climate companies develop many business strategies to increase their competitiveness and improve profitability. Companies regularly reshape themselves continually exploring new markets and developing new products. When they can't expand into new markets or develop new products on their own, they seek alternatives. These alternatives include merging with or acquiring other companies to create a single more capable company. Companies acquire other companies for a wide variety of reasons. In some cases company survival may actually be the reason. What does this condition mean to the security professional? In the course of mergers and acquisitions, security plays a vital role in helping to make the endeavor successful. There are numerous titles on the business aspects of M&A such as the ones listed below. However, this unique book focuses on the role security plays in helping to make a merger, acquisition or divestiture successful. It addresses the fundamental security elements that are required to support the effort. In addition, it provides an integrated "how to" approach to implementing M&A security complete with methods and processes that have been quickly and cost-effectively implemented.

- First book available that focuses on the role of the Security Manager in M&A
- Case studies that highlight the role of the security manager; cases include both best practices as well as illustrations of nightmare examples of what NOT to do
- Lead author is an expert that has participated in/managed security for more than 20 high-profile and large-scale acquisitions
- Model processes, procedures, checklists, charts and sample forms all serve to ease immediate analysis and implementation in a merger or acquisition ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Realistic Security for Business
This is an excellent book which addresses a number of issues that are present in any modern business.In an increasingly dynamic business environment where mergers, demergers and acquisitions are some of the ways in which corporations adapt to a changing environment, an understanding of the security implications and potential problems that will be encountered is essential.Any failure to understand how to protect information during the period leading up to an acquisition could be, at the very least, expensive, or in the worst case disasterous. Once an acquisition has been made, how do you integrate the security of two separate organisations in a way that causes the least impact and disruption to the business?This book has examined these issues and provides good, pragmatic advice on how to achieve this. The authors clearly have a great deal of experience in the area and the way that the book is written clearly comes from their practical knowledge in the area.This is a must have book for the security staff in any commercial organisation. ... Read more