Case Name :      MapQuest

Authors :           Paul W. Beamish, Kevin K. Boeh

Source :             Ivey Publishing

Case ID :            904M44

Discipline :        Strategy

Case Length :    22 pages

Solution Sample availability : YES

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

MapQuest is a leading provider of mapping services and destination information as well as a publisher of maps, atlases, and other guides. On the Internet, it provides these products and services both to consumers directly and to other businesses, enabling these businesses to provide location, mapping, and destination information to their own customers. The company completed a successful initial public offering five years ago and was in a strong competitive position. However, the markets allowed competitors to get funding quickly in both private and public deals. In addition, there were perceptions of a general stock market bubble for technology companies. The CEO wanted to consider the available options and present a recommendation to the board. Possible options included: splitting the firm’s old and new-line business units, raising capital to fund an acquisition strategy, forging a set of alliances, focusing on organic growth, and pursuing the sale of the firm.