Radiometer, 2003

John R. Wells; Galen  Danskin

Case | HBS Case Collection | September 2014

Radiometer, 2003

by John R. Wells and Galen Danskin

Abstract

In 2003, Radiometer was the world's leading supplier of blood gas analysis equipment and accessories for critical care patients. Based in Denmark, Radiometer sold through a combination of sales subsidiaries and distributors around the world, and generated sales of over DKr 1,791 million ($272 million). Blood gas analysis formed part of the $27.7 billion in-vitro diagnostic market.
Although sales were strong, Radiometer remained focused on its future. The market for blood gas analysis was growing slowly, driven mainly by new technologies that threatened to displace the high volume testing equipment that Radiometer supplied. Radiometer's recent attempts at competing in these new technologies had failed. Should it remain focused on blood gas analysis and redouble its efforts? Or should it turn to other opportunities for growth? CEO and controlling stockholder, Johan Schroder, had denied rumors of a potential sale, but an acquisition by a stronger partner could help the company expand into the United States. How should the company position itself for future success?

Keywords: medical devices; medical equipment ＆ devices; Mergers ＆ Acquisitions; Strategic Analysis; strategic change; family business; Strategy; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry; Denmark; United States;

Language: English

Format: Print

27 pages

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Citation:

Wells, John R., and Galen Danskin. "Radiometer, 2003." Harvard Business School Case 715-409, September 2014.

Case | HBS Case Collection | February 2019 (Revised September 2019)

Amazon in Fashion

John R. Wells, Benjamin Weinstock and Gabriel Ellsworth

According to many analysts and industry observers, in 2018 Amazon became the largest retailer of apparel in the United States and the second largest in the world, behind Alibaba. Much of Amazon’s apparel was made by third-party retailers on its platform, but Amazon had been working to build its own fashion retail skills for more than 15 years and had made a number of acquisitions to this end. Having failed to convince leading brands to sell on Amazon, the company had also launched several private-label lines to boost its presence in fashion apparel. However, in 2017, it had finally convinced leading brand Nike to sell direct on its platform. Christine M. Beauchamp (Harvard Business School MBA, 1997), the President of Amazon Fashion since June 2017, was contemplating next steps.
Meanwhile, leading online and fast-fashion specialists such as ASOS in the UK and Inditex in Spain did not appear to have much to be concerned about. However, many traditional fashion retailers, struggling to build effective multi-channel strategies, were facing slow growth and pressure on margins. Would 2018 mark the beginning of the demise of traditional fashion retailing? What role would the bricks-and-mortar channel in fashion retailing play in the future? What might the future look like for the fashion industry? And what role might Amazon play in it?

Keywords: Amazon; Amazon.com; fashion; fashion accessories; retail; Retailing Industry; retailing; ASOS; Inditex; Multi-channel retailers; online retail; online retailing; positioning; private label; delivery; Spending; Online Technology; Competitive Strategy; Fashion Industry; Retail Industry; Apparel and Accessories Industry;

Citation:

Wells, John R., Benjamin Weinstock, and Gabriel Ellsworth. "Amazon in Fashion." Harvard Business School Case 719-481, February 2019. (Revised September 2019.) View Details

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In October 2017, Experian, one of the “Big Three” consumer credit reporting agencies in the United Kingdom made an offer to acquire ClearScore for a total consideration of £293 million. Founded by Justin Basini, Dan Cobley, and Nigel Morris in 2014, ClearScore was the UK’s first company to offer consumers full credit reports and scores for free. ClearScore had accumulated over 5 million customers since its launch on July 15, 2015, and was growing rapidly. In the final quarter of 2017, it was set to reach break-even and deliver £27 million in revenues for the year. Was this the time to sell?

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