SKF's U.S. strategy to counter the Japanese
Article Abstract:
Mauritz Sahlin, managing director of AB SKF, a Swedish roller bearing manufacturer, controls a company that commands a 36 percent share of the European market and 20 percent of the world market, with annual sales of $10 billion. Sahlin is concerned about the two-percent decline in market share held by the company since 1984, due primarily to business lost in the competitive U.S. market to the Japanese. Among the moves made by Sahlin are increased acquisitions, price cutting, the import of less expensive products, and the closing of excess capacity. The battle that looms in the U.S. roller bearing market between the Japanese and SKF is described, and the company's decentralization plans are discussed.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1986
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A plodder perhaps, but Ciba-Geigy stays near the top
Article Abstract:
Ciba-Geigy's sale of its Airwick division in 1984 marked the Swiss pharmaceuticals and chemicals manufacturer's exit from the consumer end of the industry. Reportedly, Ciba-Geigy was never good at consumer marketing; however, the Swiss company continues to be the world's second largest pharmaceutical and agrochemical producer and the largest manufacturer of dyestuffs. In 1985, Ciba-Geigy reported profits of $818 million on sales of $10.1 billion. The marketing problems faced by the successful conglomerate, and the debate as to whether the company's research and development programs are in line with the size of the company's operations are detailed.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1986
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