Dagens ekonomiska klimat är kantat av möjligheterna och hoten från globalisering, ökad konkurrens och en alltjämt ökande takt, och ända sedan 1800-talet så har sammanslagningar och förvärv varit ett viktigt sätt för företag att konkurrera. Sammanslagningar och förvärv är aktiviteter som oftast styrs av begäret att uppnå synergi effekter, marknadsandelar, konkurrensfördelar och skalfördelar. I dag ligger mycket av medias och den akademiska fokusen på börsbolag, men Sveriges många små till medelstora privatägda företag, till exempel familjeföretag, bör inte falla i glömska. Dessa familjeföretag är olika jämfört med andra företag, inte bara när de kommer till ägarstruktur, men även på de organisatoriska och strategiska planen. Med detta i åtanke så verkar det finnas en lucka i den akademiska litteraturen när det kommer till just den här sortens frågeställning kring familjeföretag. Syfte Denna uppsats kommer undersöka förvärv inom familjeföretag med anledning av att öka kunskapen kring deras förvärvsstrategier och motiv. Författarna kommer även att studera till vilken grad kulturen influerar dessa strategier. Metod En fallstudieteknik valdes för att uppfylla syftet. Fallet behandlar förvärvsstrategin inom två medelstora familjeföretag, ROL AB och Bröderna Brandt Bil AB. Båda företagen har använt förvärv som tillväxtstrategi, och intervjuer genomfördes med strateger inom företagen för att samla in empirin. Slutsats Förvärvsstrategin verkar huvudsakligen styras av kulturen i de förvärvande och förvärvade företagen. Motiven påverkar också den valda förvärvsstrategin, och författarna identifierade också att förvärvets utfall till stor del beror på tidshorisonten som tillåts. I familjeföretag verkar det också som om ett lyckat förvärv fastställs av fler aspekter än i t.ex. börsföretag, där de finansiella avkastningen är viktigast. Värt att nämna är också att företag som internationaliserar måste vara beredda på att acceptera högre risk. / The context within which firms exist today is lined by the opportunities and threats of globalization, increased competition and a constantly intensifying pace. Ever since the 19th century mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been an important way for firms to compete. Mergers and acquisitions are largely fuelled by the desire to attain synergies, market power, competitiveness and economics of scale and scope. Today, much focus in media and theory is directed towards publicly traded corporations, however, the importance of smaller to medium sized, privately owned companies, e.g. family businesses, should not be overlooked. Family businesses differ from other corporations, not only on the ownership structure but also on other organisational and strategic characteristics. Further, research within acquisitions and family businesses is very limited and there seems to be gap in literature regarding this constellations. Purpose This thesis will investigate acquisitions in family businesses in order to enhance the understanding of their acquisition strategy and motives. Further, the authors will study to what extent culture influences the acquisition strategy. Method A case study approach was chosen to achieve the purpose. The case concerned the acquisition strategy within two medium-sized family businesses, ROL AB and Bröderna Brandt Bil AB. Both companies has used acquisitions as tools for growth. The data was collected through interviews with strategists at the two companies. Conclusion The acquisition strategy seems to be mostly influenced by the culture in the acquiring and acquired company. Further, the acquisition motive also affects the chosen acquisition strategy. The authors also identified that whether a acquisition is successful or not depends on the time-frame. In family business, success also seems to be determined by more aspects than in e.g. public companies where success is driven by financial returns. In order to act in an international environment, one also needs to be prepared to accept higher risks.

Researth on the Value Creation Strategy -The Case Of Ritek Group By Li-Mei Chen Seeking sustainable growth has always been the core value of an enterprise.However, to achieve such goal, many questions followed¡Kwhat rules to obey upon seeking sustainable growth? High growth leads to high profit for sure? Larger company scale accompanies higher profit? Such growth strategy should be managed according more to external environment or more on own core competence? How to create company value resulting from the diversification and collectivization of the company growth? I adopt Ritek group (ëä¼w¶°¹Î) as my case study object. Purpose of my study is to find out the affection of their growth strategy to their company value, and, how this efficient growth strategy enhances sustainable competitive advantage. My study integrated the relation between company value and Resource-Based view, Enterprise Growth Strategy view and Economic Value Added (EVA) view. Results of my empirical study: 1. Resources construction is a key in the development of company. 2. Strategy to focus on core competencies and to be effective. 3. Company valued scale expansion strategy increased their company value. 4. Fast capital outlay expansion helps no company value promotion. 5. Long-term investment amount decides future value. 6. Highly fund financing could not create company value. 7. Company¡¦s profit ability affects its future growth opportunity.

Local medium enterprises used to make economic miracles for Taiwan. However,in the wake of the changes in the macro environment, the rapid development of technology, changes in people¡¦s needs, increasing awareness of job safety and environmental protection, changes in the structure of workplace, capital and human resources moving to China as a result of rising mainland China, and recent rising prices of materials, local medium enterprises have been badly shattered, and their survival space has been squeezed. Rubber processing industries are in especially dire situations because they are labor-intensive and operate in inferior working conditions.So this research was designed to investigate how medium and small rubber processing industries, operating under such hostile business environment, can make good use of resources, overcome unfavorable environmental factors so as to energize business and continue business growth. Through literature investigation, this study used Advantages in Business Competition authored by professor Fang Chih-Min as the main research framework. At the same time, in combination with the review of other literature, through a process of affective learning, this study summarized, compiled and put forth a contention that a business must have advantages lying in ¡§ability to use resources effectively,¡¨¡§ability to achieve internal growth,¡¨ and ¡§ability to achieve external growth¡¨ before it can grow. The study inferred a topic from this contention. Then research was conducted based on case study approach. It was expected to understand, from this topic, what conditions would happen to the case and how to solve them. The results would be contrasted with theory, hoping to investigate and find out what would play a critical role in affecting the growth of a business. Then through practical verification,this study summarized, compiled, and proposed conclusions and suggestions. Through the research of this study, it was initially found that the essence of management would not change because of the size of a business and that how to conduct optimal use of limited resources to construct competition edge which is not related to size plays a vital role of the growth of small businesses. Moreover, in addition to strengthening their mainstream business, small businesses must also plan to enter businesses that can grow and profit tremendously so as to speed up their growth. As to suggestions offered to the case companies, in addition to enhancing their internal operation and management, they should also make good use of external resources to optimize the performance of resources, which would be the key to their growth.

BenQ was founded in1984,the business income was NTD 300 million during the initial period of years and her core business was merely to produce computer components. Her sales income has achieved to NTD 174.7 billion till 2004 after merging her subsidiary companies. Over the past 20 years, the employees increased to more than 13,000 as a global enterprise distributing more than 30 countries. In addition, the sales income has increased 582 times than she was founded. Therefore, the way of BenQ success was a model for the enterprise growth. In order to research the model and the experiences that the enterprise grows, this research uses BenQ as case study thoroughly studies in her nearly more than 20 years growth processes and how she used each strategy activity to achieve the enterprise growth goal. According to BenQ¡¦s success of new business development, this research constructs set of universalized new business development model, the flow, the process, and product life cycle backward vertical integration model. It was discovered that the corporate venture capital played an important role and function to provide the enterprises growth strategy when enterprise is growing.

About 97% of Taiwan¡¦s businesses are small to medium enterprises, and the majority of which are categorized as the traditional industries. Small to medium business enterprises of the traditional industry has made significant contribution to Taiwan¡¦s economic miracle. Although in recent years, high-tech industries have become leaders in the whole economy, material changes have occurred in the economic structure. We have also observed changes in the overall economic environment, the impact of internationalization and globalization are the main reasons. But, we wish to see the industry continue to grow; we do not wish to see the rise of some industries while others fade. Hence, current status are studies and researched in detail, hope that some valuable recommendations can be made. Stability and growth has always been the key issue for all business management. Small business enterprises are naturally in a poor position for resource. Faced with the rapid changes in the internal and external environments and fierce competition, small business enterprises often fall into a stagnant situation that bottlenecks growth. In order to break out of its stagnant situation, business strategies and directions must be adjusted. Small businesses must also develop toward high economic value, such that growth targets can be achieved. During its growth process, due to changes in the environment, understanding of internal resources and capabilities, shows speed, flexibility and responsiveness. The best growth strategy suitable to the business enterprise needs to be developed and implemented. Resources at hand and advantages should be strengthened, business competitiveness enhanced and promote synergy, so that the business may continue to grow and prosper. Hence, small businesses should develop its business environment with a predictive management style. It should grasp the trends of the industry, predict its future and actively accumulate resources and should not have too many passive responses to uncontrollable environments. Leaders needs to continuously think about the current status of the business enterprise, what should be done, what can be done, and how. The business enterprise will gradually shift its business focus, avoid competition and adapt to external environment, so that synergic effects can result from integration of advantageous resources. This study is a qualitative study. It attempts to investigate a business growth model for small business enterprises. In search of the growth strategy of the case study enterprise, business leaders were interviewed in depth, and the growth pattern of the business enterprise was observed from the perspective of its business operations. Chapter 1 of the study introduces the backgrounds, motivation, objectives, process and scope of the study. In chapter 2, literature review, theories of business management, growth strategy, resource-based view, industrial network relationship and strategic alliance were reviewed. The research methodology and design are reported in chapter 3, describing the conceptual framework, research methods, design and limitations. Having drawn the theoretical profile of the study, secondary data were used in chapter 4 to investigate the characteristics of small to medium business enterprises in Taiwan and their current status. The industry of the case study enterprise, its development history and relationship analysis, profile of the case study enterprise were reported. In chapter 5, the study attempts to verify the theory with in-depth interview. In addition to many visits to and observation of the case study enterprise, the factors that affect the growth of the small businesses are analyzed. Finally, the key factors of growth strategy for small business enterprises are: 1. focused scope of operation, hold onto niche market, 2. establish industrial network or clustering effect, 3. develop human capital, ensure customer and employee value, 4. accumulate strategic resources, develop core competence, 5. make use of resource leverage, expand synergy, 6. organization reengineering and change, integrate and enhance business capabilities. The 6 strategic factors must support leadership characteristics as the core of growth strategy. The growth model for small businesses are also developed.

<p>Dagens ekonomiska klimat är kantat av möjligheterna och hoten från globalisering, ökad konkurrens och en alltjämt ökande takt, och ända sedan 1800-talet så har sammanslagningar och förvärv varit ett viktigt sätt för företag att konkurrera. Sammanslagningar och förvärv är aktiviteter som oftast styrs av begäret att uppnå synergi effekter, marknadsandelar, konkurrensfördelar och skalfördelar. I dag ligger mycket av medias och den akademiska fokusen på börsbolag, men Sveriges många små till medelstora privatägda företag, till exempel familjeföretag, bör inte falla i glömska. Dessa familjeföretag är olika jämfört med andra företag, inte bara när de kommer till ägarstruktur, men även på de organisatoriska och strategiska planen. Med detta i åtanke så verkar det finnas en lucka i den akademiska litteraturen när det kommer till just den här sortens frågeställning kring familjeföretag.</p><p>Syfte</p><p>Denna uppsats kommer undersöka förvärv inom familjeföretag med anledning av att öka kunskapen kring deras förvärvsstrategier och motiv. Författarna kommer även att studera till vilken grad kulturen influerar dessa strategier.</p><p>Metod</p><p>En fallstudieteknik valdes för att uppfylla syftet. Fallet behandlar förvärvsstrategin inom två medelstora familjeföretag, ROL AB och Bröderna Brandt Bil AB. Båda företagen har använt förvärv som tillväxtstrategi, och intervjuer genomfördes med strateger inom företagen för att samla in empirin.</p><p>Slutsats</p><p>Förvärvsstrategin verkar huvudsakligen styras av kulturen i de förvärvande och förvärvade företagen. Motiven påverkar också den valda förvärvsstrategin, och författarna identifierade också att förvärvets utfall till stor del beror på tidshorisonten som tillåts. I familjeföretag verkar det också som om ett lyckat förvärv fastställs av fler aspekter än i t.ex. börsföretag, där de finansiella avkastningen är viktigast. Värt att nämna är också att företag som internationaliserar måste vara beredda på att acceptera högre risk.</p> / <p>The context within which firms exist today is lined by the opportunities and threats of globalization, increased competition and a constantly intensifying pace. Ever since the 19th century mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been an important way for firms to compete. Mergers and acquisitions are largely fuelled by the desire to attain synergies, market power, competitiveness and economics of scale and scope. Today, much focus in media and theory is directed towards publicly traded corporations, however, the importance of smaller to medium sized, privately owned companies, e.g. family businesses, should not be overlooked. Family businesses differ from other corporations, not only on the ownership structure but also on other organisational and strategic characteristics. Further, research within acquisitions and family businesses is very limited and there seems to be gap in literature regarding this constellations.</p><p>Purpose</p><p>This thesis will investigate acquisitions in family businesses in order to enhance the understanding of their acquisition strategy and motives. Further, the authors will study to what extent culture influences the acquisition strategy.</p><p>Method</p><p>A case study approach was chosen to achieve the purpose. The case concerned the acquisition strategy within two medium-sized family businesses, ROL AB and Bröderna Brandt Bil AB. Both companies has used acquisitions as tools for growth. The data was collected through interviews with strategists at the two companies.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The acquisition strategy seems to be mostly influenced by the culture in the acquiring and acquired company. Further, the acquisition motive also affects the chosen acquisition strategy. The authors also identified that whether a acquisition is successful or not depends on the time-frame. In family business, success also seems to be determined by more aspects than in e.g. public companies where success is driven by financial returns. In order to act in an international environment, one also needs to be prepared to accept higher risks.</p>

This study analyzes the managerial strategies that Canadian small business owners are implementing to grow their businesses. At the same time, it compares said managerial strategies with the business’s current growth stage in order to identify a suited managerial strategy applied at a specific life-stage for the growth of their firm.

This paper seeks to provide further insight as to why local Ghanaian firms may not be pursuing regional growth as a strategy, as publicly available data would suggest. The study uses Resource Based Theory and Institutional Theory to identify a range of factors that may be influencing, at a firm level, the decision whether or not to pursue a regional growth strategy. The study draws upon a sample of 65 Top Tier Local Ghanaian Companies. A key finding of this study is that a large number of local companies were providing services or products to the regional market. Evidence suggest that although local firms were at the early stage of internationalization, due to various factors identified in the study, these firms had chosen not to formally commit resources in pursuing regional growth as the traditional ―Stage Theory‖ of Internationalization would suggest. The result of the study highlights certain risk to managers and owners choosing not to actively pursue a regional growth strategy. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

In den letzten Jahren verzeichneten viele mittelständische Unternehmen ein überdurchschnittliches Unternehmenswachstum. Häufig gerät die Zielsetzung des Unternehmenswachstums jedoch mit anderen Zielsetzungen wie der Bestandsreduktion oder einer erhöhten Kunden- und Prozessorientierung in eine Art Wettbewerb. Um eine Harmonisierung zwischen den Anforderungen der Wachstumsstrategie und der Supply-Chain-Gestaltung zu erreichen, bedarf es einer Aufbereitung der Wechselwirkungen zwischen der Wachstumsstrategie und den Supply Chain Methoden. Ausgehend von dieser Problemstellung wurde ein Modellansatz entwickelt, welche die Interdependenzen zwischen den Wachstumsstrategien und den Gestaltungselementen der Supply Chain darstellt. Im Rahmen des Konzeptes werden anhand der vier Handlungsfelder (Prozess, Struktur, Collaboration und IT) aufgezeigt, wie ein Unternehmen eine an die Wachstumsstrategie angepasste Supply-Chain-Gestaltung vornehmen kann.

Even though growth hacking is a new concept, it has become a buzz-word among entrepreneurs and start-ups. Various startups that have achieved extensive growth, such as Dropbox, Uber, Airbnb, have been sharing their success stories. However, to date, the focus of this concept was more on the practicalities instead of the theoretical research. With so many start-ups that fail to grow, it is important to research growth methodologies, that can help young entrepreneurs to successfully establish themselves. This paper studies growth hacking concept, by trying to understand how the growth hacking strategy works and how it could be used to retain a user-base in a start-up. With the help of an extensive literature review, interviews with the entrepreneurs and a case study analysis, this research provides (1) insights into the theory of growth hacking and retention marketing,(2) examples of its practices, and (3) an implementation of suggestions made based on the findings. The results of this study indicate that growth hacking is a broad concept and has numerous interpretations. Growth hacking framework has been applied at the early stages of start-ups, however, the growth hacking concept has not been defined as well as it has not been determined whether it is a relevant method to improve user retention. In this study, it was discovered that growth hacking practices can improve to set up theuser retention strategy. However, growth hacking strategies must be tailored and adapted to the entrepreneurial venture’s business model. / Även om growth hacking är ett nytt koncept, har det blivit ett buzz-word bland företagare och nystartade företag. Olika nystartade företag som använt growth hacking och uppnått omfattande tillväxt t.ex Dropbox, Uber och Airbnb har alla förmedlat sina framgångshistorier. Men hittills har fokus legat mer på det praktiska i stället för den teoretiska forskningen. Med så många nystartade företag som inte lyckas växa, är det viktigt att undersöka tillväxtmetodik, som kan hjälpa unga företagare att framgångsrikt etablera sig. Denna uppsats studerar growth hacking konceptet, genom att försöka förstå hur denna strategi fungerar och hur det kunde användas för att behålla en användarbas. Med hjälp av en omfattande litteraturgenomgång, intervjuer med företagare och en fallstudie, ger denna forskning (1) insikter i teorin om growth hacking och retention marknadsföring, (2) exempel på dess praxis, och (3) en implementering av förslag har gjorts baserat på resultaten. Resultaten av denna studie visar att growth hacking är ett brett begrepp och har många tolkningar. Growth hacking ramverk har tillämpats i tidiga stadier på nystartade företag, dock har growth hacking koncept inte definierats, liksom har det inte fastställts huruvida det är en relevant metod för att förbättra användarbevarande. I denna studie upptäcktes det att growth hacking metoder kan förbättra utvecklingen av strategier för bibehållning av användare. Dock måste growth hacking strategier vara skräddarsydda och anpassade till det entreprenöriella företagets affärsmodell.