Case | HBS Case Collection | 2001 (Revised from original 2000 version)

Editora Abril S.A.

by Michael Y. Yoshino and Perry Fagan

Abstract

Brazil's media conglomerate Editora Abril S.A. is Latin America's largest publishing and printing company; it publishes books, and comic books, videos, maps, travel guides, music, and textbooks. It also owns Brazil's largest database marketing company, its second-largest pay television service, and its first broadband Internet access service; an interactive music Website; and stakes in the coutry's largest Internet access provider and its MTV license. Roberto Civita, Abril's 64-year-old chairman, CEO, and sole owner needs to decide how to grow the enterprise that his father founded. He and his two sons have several options: continue to grow their core magazine business in Brazil, expand regionally, invest in new venues such as broadcasting, take the company public, and/or manage the succession. This case describes Abril's development to date and the challenges it faces in 2000.

Keywords: Business Conglomerates; Investment; Growth and Development Strategy; Marketing Communications; Market Design; Media; Service Delivery; Private Ownership; Expansion; Web Sites; Publishing Industry; Service Industry; Brazil;

Citation:

Yoshino, Michael Y., and Perry Fagan. "Editora Abril S.A." Harvard Business School Case 301-062, May 2001. (Revised from original October 2000 version.)