Takeover
- Book Review,
by Mike Walker
From Booklist
This fictionalized account of a takeover attempt works because scriptwriter Walker is a skillful storyteller and because veteran business executive Waine understands how business works. They follow the financial schemes of a colorful but self-absorbed entrepreneur who heads a successful electronics conglomerate and has his eyes on a much smaller family-run enterprise consisting of several ripe-for-picking, strategically mismatched businesses. Set in England, the narrative begins a month before the hostile buyout bid is tendered and then follows developments as things get messy. Waine is a director and cofounder of a British company that helps place up-and-coming executives in directorships at smaller companies in different industry sectors. Waine's mission is to reinvigorate these smaller companies by bringing in new perspectives, and he uses Takeover to show what can happen when company boards are ineffectual. The authors successfully let the story explain the business concepts involved; one need not even be too familiar with business terminology. On the other hand, it is not likely that this story will appeal to those who have no fascination for business transactions. David Rouse
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
When Jim Crawford, the flamboyant Chairman of Electronics company, Ayot plc, launches a hostile bid for old-fashioned Byfield plc it is at first appears just another example of market forces dictating the survival of the fittest, irrespective of the human cost. But it soon becomes apparent that Crawford has another motivation: an old score to settle with Byfield's Chairman, John Parker. When things get personal cool business sense is the first business casualty.
Takeover gives an exhilarating view of how business really works at board level and sounds a salutary warning to acquisition-hungry businesses: if you think acquisitions are an easy route to growth, think again.
Takeover is essential reading for everybody interested in business and how the financial world works. Ride the takeover roundabout and experience the excitement of success and the grim reality of the terrible financial and human cost when things go wrong
Treason doth prosper, what the reason?
For if it prosper, none dare call it treason.
Sir John Harington, Epigrams, 1618
Book Info
Provides insight of how business really works at board level and sounds a salutary warning to acquisition-hungry businesses.
From the Inside Flap
No treaties, no truces, this one is to the finish … When Jim Crawford, the flamboyant Chairman of electronics company, Ayot plc, launches a hostile bid for old-fashioned Byfield plc it at first appears just another example of market forces dictating the survival of the fittest, irrespective of the human cost. But it soon becomes apparent that Crawford has another motivation: an old score to settle with Byfield’s Chairman, John Parker. When things get personal cool business sense is the first casualty. Takeover gives an exhilarating view of how business really works at board level and sounds a salutary warning to acquisition-hungry businesses: if you think acquisitions are an easy route to growth, think again. Takeover is essential reading for everybody interested in business and how the financial world works. Ride the takeover roundabout and experience the excitement of success and the grim reality of the terrible financial and human cost when things go wrong. Treason doth never prosper, what’s the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason. Sir John Harington, Epigrams, 1618
Back Cover Copy
Praise for Takeover ‘Takeover is both a gripping read and informative. Step by step, we are led through the drama of a contested bid — and see all the skills, action and emotion that lie behind the headlines. The story shows the human cost of the world of business — and the sacrifices that are made to reach and stay at the top. Winner takes all in the City — but it is not always clear who are the winners and who are really the losers.’ Peter Harris, Group Managing Director, Lex Service plc ‘A gripping tale of the intrigue and passions involved in a hostile takeover. Surely, compulsory reading for those fascinated by how the City goes about bringing unwilling parties to the table.’ Sir Malcolm Bates, Chairman, Pearl Group plc ‘The boardroom is a private place and as such is often described unrealistically in novels. Most boardroom situations when transferred to television look like Coronation Street in suits. … Takeover is a racy novel written by authors who know the territory and work on boards. They have produced a page-turner that rings true. Business people will instantly recognise the characters, the tensions, the personal triumphs and tragedies. It’s a good read for your next plane trip.’ Professor Bernard Taylor, Centre for Business Excellence, Henley Management College ‘A compelling read.’ Dr Julia Walsh, NED, British Energy plc ‘A book every business person should read.’ John Cowling, Managing Director, Casio Electronics Co. Ltd ‘The deadly countdown to completion of the takeover heightens the excitement and parallels real life all too closely. This is a book that is hard to put down.’ Richard Holland, CEO, Boosey & Hawkes Group plc ‘Even experienced practitioners can absorb both entertainment and almost a case study in this lively book.’ C.M. Stuart, Chairman, Scottish Power plc ‘At last, a "business" book written in proper English and free of jargon.’ Richard Jewson, Chairman, Savills plc
About the Author
PETER WAINE has worked for manufacturing companies and professional firms and has main board experience both as an executive and non-executive director of companies with turnover of up to £1bn. A former CBI director,he is co-founder of Hanson Green, a leading source for recruiting non-executive directors and chairmen. He is also co-author of The Independent Board Director, the acknowledged management book on non-executive directors. He is a Trustee of the Royal Opera House, a member of the International Cricket Council and is a former member of the Council of the European Business School, the Institute of Management and former Chairman of the Tree Council. He has also been a parliamentary candidate. MIKE WALKER has worked for radio and TV for many years, writing drama, documentary and educational broadcasts. His productions have received many awards, including: Royal TV Society Gold Medal, Sony Award for Best Play, Society of Authors Best Script Award, Writers Guild Award for Best Radio Adaptation and BAFTA & Sony nominations. His most recent works have been an award winning adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Nicholas Nickleby and adaptations of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace and Graham Swift’s Booker Prize winning Last Orders. He is currently working on a stage play about Washington DC and his new play about Henry James will be broadcast this autumn. He is particularly interested in American history and has written plays about Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and J. Edgar Hoover. His BBC World Service drama, Westway has keen fans in 176 countries.
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