Case Name :      Gallery of Furs, Inc.: Fur-Industry Merger Exercise

Authors :           Robert F. Bruner

Source :             Darden School of Business

Case ID :           UV2288

Discipline :        Finance

Case Length :    25 pages

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

The set of four cases composing the Fur Industry Merger Exercise affords the opportunity for a merger negotiation among students. Three potential buyers (Adams, Jindo, and Lessard) compete for two potential sellers (Adams and Gallery of Furs). The cases give detailed financial forecasts for the target firms that are unique to each party. The forecasts form the basis for valuation of the target companies. The merger opportunities are prompted by major competitive changes in the worldwide fur-garment industry and by adverse changes in demand in U.S. fur retailing. The exercise affords insights into the challenges of cross-border acquisitions. Gallery of Furs is the second largest retailer of fur coats and garments in the United States. Its recent poor financial performance has made it the target of an uninvited raid. In response, the company desires to sell its Fur Retailing Division on the most advantageous terms. The “Gallery of Furs” case may be used on a stand-alone basis to illustrate aspects of valuation in a merger setting.