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Boeing Pros And Cons

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When analyzing investment decisions, we did not consider in any detail the largest investment decisions that most firms make, i.e., their acquisitions of other firms. Boeing’s largest investment of the last decade was not a new commercial aircraft but its acquisition of McDonnell Douglas in 1996. At the time of the acquisition, Boeing's managers were optimistic about the merger, claiming that it would create substantial value for the stockholders of both firms. What are the principles that govern acquisitions? Should they be judged differently from other investments?
Firms are acquired for a number of reasons. In the 1960s and 1970s, firms such as Gulf and Western and ITT built themselves into conglomerates by acquiring firms in other lines of business. In the 1980s, corporate giants like Time, Beatrice and RJR Nabisco were acquired by other …show more content…

This was the case, for instance, with the leveraged buyouts of firms such as RJR Nabisco in the 1980s. Figure 26.1 summarizes the various transactions and the consequences for the target firm. Another firm
Merger
Consolidation
Tender offer
Acquisition of assets
Buyout
Target firm becomes part of acquiring firm; stockholder approval needed from both firms
Target firm and acquiring firm become new firm; stockholder approval needed from both firms.
Target firm continues to exist, as long as there are dissident stockholders holding out. Successful tender offers ultimately become mergers. No shareholder approval is needed.
Target firm remains as a shell company, but its assets are transferred to the acquiring firm. Ultimately, target firm is liquidated.
Target firm continues to exist, but as a private business. It is usually accomplished with a tender offer.
Figure 26.1: Classification of Acquisitions
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A firm can be acquired by its own managers and outside investors The Process of an

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