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Bidding for the future

Article Abstract:

European companies have been affected by stockholder power and this is illustrated in the acquisition of Mannesmann by Vodaphone AirTouch. Hostile takeovers have become less taboo in Europe, and critics argue that a consens is disappearing. There have been close links between government, industry and banks in Germany, but this relationship was being undermined over some years. Managers are emerging who place more emphasis on the interests of stckholders, and European capitalism is becoming more transparent.

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The price of friendliness

Article Abstract:

Takeover bids are not common in mainland Europe, and hostile bids are even less common. Large investors tend to have bigger stakes in companies in mainland Europe, and governments are often concerned about job losses that could result from successful bids. Privatization and other changes mean that companies in mainland Europe are becoming more like those of Anglo-Saxon countries. Meanwhile, hostile bids are becoming less common in Anglo-Saxon countries, while could be linked to government regulations.

Mergers & Acquisitions, Editorial

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Europe's sale of the century

Article Abstract:

A second wave of mergers between European businesses may soon occur for two reasons. Restructuring that took place during the 1980s was left incomplete, and new stockmarket rules will make hostile bids easier.

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