1. Burton Group Ralph Halpern 1976-1990

2. Background Burton Group (1969-1975) Ladislas Rice Company in crisis - competition between divisions - too many acquisitions - change takes too long

3. Outline of Strategy Implemented (1981-1985) Move from losses to profit - focus on profitable Strategic Business Units (SBU’s) - solve manufacturing overcapacity - compete with market leaders New organizational culture

4. New organizational structure - right to vote for not voting shareholders - open system - centralise decision making

5. What is the logic behind the strategy?

6. Balance Streamline Focused Profitable (effective & efficient) Dynamic

7. In the light of Ralph Halpern success…did the acquisition of Debenhams make sense?

8. Yes Growth On a high Institutional support Boom period No Timing.. “too soon” Short termist Not fashionable Too ambitious

9. What were the causes of the decline of the Burton Group from 1988 to 1990?

10. DTI investigation Lack of clarity Recession - the property slump - Sharp rise in debt Bad publicity of - the company - Ralph Halpern

11. Any questions?