Gerber Products Company: Solutions To Their Problems

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Gerber Products Company: Solutions To Their Problems

As the acquisition of Alima continues, we have run into a few problems. These problems are mostly due to the political climate within the region, and property rights issues. One main issue we anticipate could derive from the political climate is the issue of tax credits.

All of these problems, in my opinion, could be overcome. We have to make a decision as a team about the cost of moving forward.

Problem I:

The first problem is the uncertainty of the political stability within Poland. In October, there were political events that caused policymaking to stop. The team of political leaders that were engaged during the initial conversations are on their way out of the door and bureaucratic processes require people to wait until "the leaders" tell them to proceed.

While the negotiations are at a stand still, the deal is coming under attack from members of the press. They are planting the beliefs that the economic downturn within the country is due to foreign investments. If the people start believing this, the politicians who are voted in office will be pressured to act according to the wishes of the people.

Another issue we foresee is a speculative one. The Polish government has given us a $ for $ tax exemption for all capital investments in their economy for the first three years. The team is concerned about the likeliness of the new government changing this agreement and impacting the original attractive luster of the deal.

Proposed Solution:

Poland is a country currently wanting to become a member of the EC. It has just migrated from a communist regime and had its first democratic elections. Inflation rate is the highest it has ever been. The...

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.... Either way, should be fine with us.

Impact to Bottom Line:

If we apply my suggested mechanisms for overcoming the drawbacks, there will be no impact to the bottom line.

Recommendation:

If we move forward with the deal we'll have the following Pro's and Con's.

Pros:

First mover advantage in growing markets

Acquired Lesson's learned for other possible deals internationally

Complementing, good quality assets

Overall lower cost of production

More price competitiveness

Goodwill as philanthropists in the region

Cons:

High risks and uncertainties

Possible losses, if no tax credits

Political and economic instability

No local or regional experience or partners

The cons have been sized and mitigated. The pros are beneficial to our long-term success. The pros outweigh the cons; I recommend we move forward with the deal.

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