An Empirical Research On Ricoh Acquisition Of IBM Printing System Division

This thesis aims to research the Ricoh acquisition IBM printing system division. Inside this paper there are not only acquisition theories researches, background and business strategy of the involved enterprises, but also insight study of Ricoh/IBM acquisition's root cause, strategy, execution result, the issues and the challenges. It also provides consideration and suggestion to those enterprises that are facing acquisition. Such information and research are very useful for China enterprises to work out their acquisition strategy and execution plan.The first part of this paper provides some conceptual information about enterprise acquisition history, theories, and motivators. It introduces the key phase of the international acquisition development, while provide theories researches on acquisition concepts, classification and motivators.The second part focuses on Ricoh acquisition of IBM Printing System Division. It includes the two enterprises briefing, overview of the acquisition and its background, base on which the root cause analyses of it.In the third part, the author gives analyses of challenge and root cause which the new enterprise is facing after acquisition. It includes thorough research in respect of a product and business consolidation, globalization, branding and culture building-up, independent operation and profitability in short term.In the forth part, based on the acquisition strategy and the Ricoh/IBM case, considerations are recommended to those enterprises which may plan acquisitions. It also provides additional two case studies for reference.The last part is the conclusion of the paper, focusing on acquisition's value to Chinese enterprises, and its relationship with the business strategy and the preparations for acquisition.