Highlights: June 1999 Issue
Johnson Controls: A Successful Cross-Cultural JV Turnaround
Johnson Controls' 50/50 Japanese bulding controls joint venture with Yokogawa Electric had been losing money for years under Japanese management. Separate from its automotive systems effort, the controls business offered a broad line of electronic products like sensors and thermostats directly and OEM to heating, water and gas system manufacturers in the building automation industry. This story relates how the venture was restored to profitability under Johnson Controls' leadership, a majority acquisition of Tokyo Biso Kogyo was executed, and offers lessons to other non-Japanese manufacturers taking control of their joint ventures in Japan.
Hertz: A Relationship that Doesn't Depend on a Written Contract
In another example of how foreign service firms are looking at Japan anew, Hertz decided to tie up with Toyota in order "to have its flag on the ground" in Japan's rental-car business. Competitor Avis followed only a few months later. This is the story of the considerations that went into the deal, and the competitive conditions that made it not only necessary, but attractive.
Japan Insight: Get the Scoop
A new day for foreign auto-parts companies in Japan; some leading headhunters discuss what's hot in the foreign company executive marketplace; Global One remains focused, and mum, about its future plans in Japan.
A Specialist Offers Advice: "How to Beat the Bushes and Acquire Japanese Companies for a Song":
This diary of a deal offers a foreign banker's rare, first-hand account of a multi-million-dollar acquisition of a Japanese firm by a foreign company, as well as lessons for those also wishing to acquire Japanese companies.
Japan Observer
What's a Japanese home really like? Our writer describes one in detail, offering some perspective to those marketing appliances, home furnishing and lifestyle products to the Japanese consumer.
Plus much more...
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