Case Name :      Newell Co.: The Rubbermaid Opportunity

Authors :           Joseph N. Fry

Source :             Ivey Publishing

Case ID :            900M10

Discipline :        Strategy

Case Length :    09 pages

Solution Sample availability : YES

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

The Newell Co., a multibillion dollar company dealing in hardware and home furnishings, office products, and housewares, was contemplating a merger with Rubbermaid, a renowned manufacturer of plastic products. Newell had a remarkable record of success in growth by acquisition. Rubbermaid would mark a quantum step in this program, but equally, would pose a formidable challenge to Newell’s capacity to integrate and strengthen acquisitions. Corporate strategy and advantage is studied, particularly through the Collis and Montgomery framework, to determine whether the proposed merger is a step too far.