The Merger of Hewlett-Packard and Compaq (A): Strategy and Valuation Case Solution
Analysis
SWOT Analysis
In order to understand the situation clearly, SWOT analysis is performed below.
Strengths:
- Both companies have significant brand recognition and brand loyalty in IT industry with strong customer base and market share.
- HP is a dominant player within the printing and imaging industry in the UNIX market whereas,Compaq is famous for providing high quality PCs.
- Both companies have strong research and development department, which has led towards more innovative product offerings of both companies.
- Resource availability of both companies is tremendous along with significant financial resources to support the proposed merger.
Weaknesses:
- HP is facing the problem of lack of organic growth strategy whereas,Compaq does not have strong presence in UNIX market.
- Announcement of merger resulted in the decline in the HP’s share prices.
- Low support from the management such as Walter Hewlett’s opposition of the merger after accepting it in the meetings created a sense of uncertainty for the merger.
- Duplication of management systems and no direct distribution plan regarding the proposed merger.
Opportunities:
- A chance for HP to adjust itself to the changing trend.
- The probability to excel in different market segments rather than only Imaging and Printing.
- It can result in the new company being the market leader along with value creation in the existing and new products.
- HP’s core objective to provide end -o-end solution to the clients and its desire to regain its previous position in the PC’s and servers can be achieved.
- The merger of both the companies can have a major impact on the market.
- Both the companies have their own area of expertise, which combined, can prove to be a threat to the competitors.
Threats:
- The share price can decrease further after the opposition from HP.
- Both companies are operating in the IT industry and there is a changing trend in the technology therefore, the short life of technology is a serious threat for both companies.
- Projected loss as a result of merger.
- Acquisition risk cannot be ignored.
- Both the companies are facing strong competition from their peers as well as their industry margins are decreasing due to the economic downturn.........................
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