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Case Study Nabisco Essay

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Case Study: RJR Nabisco
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July 20, 2013

One of the most famous leveraged buyouts (LBOs) that have has been studied is the RJR Nabisco LBO. There was also a movie made about this LBO entitled Barbarians at the Gate, which you may be interested in watching.

Review this case study in Chapter 7 of your text and conduct your own research. In a 3–4-page case study, address the following:
1. Discuss the background of the case. Who were the players? What prompted this leveraged buyout (LBO)?
2. What made this LBO feasible?
3. Discuss the terms and conditions of the LBO in terms of both pre-LBO and post-LBO corporate structure.
4. Discuss the financial qualities of the LBO in terms of the stock value …show more content…

LBOs have ability to acquire smaller companies that have very little capital and the acquired company can benefit from organization and reform. Simply, LBOs can prevent shutdown needed of a company. On the other hand, LBOs could possible display hostile takeovers and due restructuring, downsize the acquired company which in turn can have large impact on employees. Moreover, due to management buyout, there could be a conflict of interest among employees and management, including mismanagement by the buyout owners. RJR was anticipating the increased popularity of tobacco consumption, and in 1913 introduced four new brands, which was a very risky move on their part. For instance, one of the brands was a Camel and Winston cigarette. Yet, few years later during depression, RJR was hurt by cheaper brands. Under pressure of cheaper brands competition and economy, RJR differentiated their products from other brands, started production on the international market, changed cigarette packaging and addressed health issue at home that pertain to cigarette smoking. Taking all of this into conversation, RJR was very attractive to LBO candidates. Up to 2006 RJR Nabisco leveraged buyout was the largest LBO of all times. RJR Nabisco was outcome of a merger between RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company and the Nabisco food company. RJR Nabisco didn’t perform well before the buyout. In fact, various features did made RJR Nabisco attractive as LBO candidate. Its operations did

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