Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers Case Study

Case Title:

The Battle for Westinghouse - Toshiba Wins : The Strategic Fit

Abstract:
Increasing fuel prices led many countries (like China and US) to look for other alternatives like nuclear power. To capitalise on the increasing demand for nuclear power, Toshiba decided to bid for Westinghouse, one of the leaders in nuclear technology in the world, when it was put up for sale. In February 2006, Toshiba acquired Westinghouse outbidding other companies like GE and Mitsubishi. Toshiba anticipates that the acquisition would help it to win contracts in China, one of the fastest growing markets for nuclear power, and would also help the company to become the global leader in the nuclear power business.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the reasons behind Westinghouse's failure in the nuclear business before its acquisition by BNFL
• To analyse and understand the synergies for Toshiba out of this acquisition
• To debate on the critical success factors in this industry.

Keywords : Mergers,Acquisitions,Alliances Case Study;Toshiba; Westinghouse; Nuclear power; Acquisition; British Nuclear Fuels Ltd; Hurdles; Synergies; Atsutoshi Nishida; General Electric Corporation; Strategic fit

Contents : 
Westinghouse and Toshiba: Profile
BNFL’s Decision to Sell Westinghouse
Battle forWestinghouse
Toshiba’s Acquisition ofWestinghouse: The Strategic Fit