Teaching note for products 9B04M078 and 9B05M013.

The managing director of MD Foods of Denmark and the president of Arla of Sweden, both cooperatives, were contemplating whether their companies should merge to create Europe's largest dairy company. Arla and MD Foods wished to continue the success of their joint ventures in a much closer relationship, but wondered if their owners (the milk-producing farmers in each country) would approve the merger. In addition, the two companies were different .....more

Two cooperatives have decided to merge and in doing so will create Europe's largest dairy company. Senior management presents its recommendations to the members of the cooperatives and wait for the outcome of the vote. With MD Foods a simple majority was required. With Arla a unanimous "yes" vote was required. If a majority only approved, a second vote was held two weeks later with a majority of two-thirds required to approve the merger. .....more

Boots Group PLC, one of the best known and respected retail names in the United Kingdom, provided health and beauty products and advice that enhanced personal well being. The marketing manager at Boots was planning his sales promotion strategy for a line of professional hair-care products. The professional hair-care line consisted primarily of shampoos, conditioners and styling products (gels, wax, mousse, etc.) developed in collaboration with United .....more