Catalogue of woes
Article Abstract:
The flagging European mail-order business appears to be recovering from a decade-long slump, with sales growing by 9% in real terms in 1991. Despite this recent upturn, mail-order companies are aware that they need to expand if they are to survive in the business. Many of Europe's largest direct marketers have already exhausted expansion prospects in their own countries and are therefore looking for opportunities for growth beyond their national borders. Germany's Otto Versand, for instance, has acquired Austria's Moden Muller, Italy's Euronova, the UK's Grattan, and the US's Spiegel. The world' largest mail order group has also established a strong presence in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. The integration of most of Europe into a single European market should result in the harmonization of purchasing and distribution within the region.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1993
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Otis seizes the high ground
Article Abstract:
US firm Otis Elevator Co has been profiting from the collapse of the communism in Eastern Europe. The company's European Transcontinental Operations (ETO) was quick to establish itself in East Germany right after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 by acquiring 60% of the local firm Berliner Aufzugs und Fahrtreppenbau. Since then it has continued to establish joint ventures with local lift manufacturers in Russia, Hungary, Ukraine, Czechoslovakia and Poland. In addition to the tremendous opportunities offered by Eastern Europe, ETO's profits are being boosted by the unprecedented building boom in Europe. Otis' European arm reported turnover of $2.7 billion in 1991, which was more than half of the company's total turnover of $4.3 billion for the year. The American company has also stepped up its operations in Asia and South America.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1992
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Global village industry
Article Abstract:
Segal Quince Wicksteed (SQW) is a relatively small management consultancy that has built up an excellent reputation as a specialist in public sector policy evaluation in such areas as regional development and science and technology policy. The consultancy, which is based in the East Anglian village of Swavesey, was formed in 1983 and has since developed into a highly regarded management consultancy that serves both local and international clients. SQW's client list includes international agencies such as the World Bank, European organizations, and numerous local and regional governments in the UK. The company's success provides a fine example of how a small UK business can successfully compete in the international services market.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1992
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