Publications
Publications
- November 2009
- HBS Case Collection
The HLB Turnaround
By: Lynda M. Applegate, Bhaskar Chakravorti and Laura Winig
Abstract
Ford Pearson has recently taken over as CEO of HLB, a Chicago-based product design and development firm (and once one of the largest in the business), to help turn it around after a series of crises that had seriously threatened its survival. Pearson has personally invested in the firm, re-organized many aspects of its operations and has hired a younger executive and turnaround expert, Andrew Macey, as COO to help him in the effort. Pearson and Macey have several options to consider: Should HLB raise $1 million in debt financing and focus on a turnaround or should it approach a private equity investor and raise an additional $4 million and pursue a more aggressive productivity improvement plus growth strategy? While they consider these options in September 2008, the credit markets are about to clamp shut as a global financial crisis is around the corner.
Keywords
Business Organization; Business or Company Management; Private Equity; Restructuring; Product Design; Corporate Finance
Citation
Applegate, Lynda M., Bhaskar Chakravorti, and Laura Winig. "The HLB Turnaround." Harvard Business School Case 810-023, November 2009.