...Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. Case Study Case Summary This case examines issues of asset control for Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., in light of the outstanding takeover offers by Chartwell Investments, Dreyer‘s Grand, Unilever, and Meadowbrook Lane Capital in January 2000. The case requires a discussion of fundamental firm objectives and the implications of a non-traditional corporate orientation; one needs to review the development of Ben & Jerry's strong social consciousness and the takeover defence mechanisms that maintain management's control on company assets. One is required to estimate the economic cost of its social agenda, and evaluate the implications of takeover defence strategies. Ultimately, we have to take a position on whether Ben & Jerry's should continue to independently pursue its social agenda or accept one of the attractive takeover offers and accept a shift toward greater profit orientation. Company Overview Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., the Vermont-based manufacturer of ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet, was founded in 1978, with a $12,000 investment ($4,000 of which was borrowed). It soon became popular for its innovative flavours, made from fresh Vermont milk and cream. The company currently distributes ice cream, low fat ice cream, frozen yoghurt, sorbet and novelty products nationwide as well as in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Ben & Jerry's scoop shops, restaurants and other...
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...Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Case Analysis Dean Podvin FIN 450W Professor Paup I. Problem Statement Ben and Jerry’s Homemade, a chief distributor of super-premium ice creams, frozen yogurts and sorbets has had success as a company through its business life, however now faces crossroads and important financial decisions. Despite reporting consistent gains in gross profit and total assets, Ben and Jerry’s struggles to create upward movement in its stock price. Due to the aggressive nature of the ice cream industry, production costs, stringent restriction on corporate control and their loyalty to philanthropy, these factors have pushed Ben and Jerry’s Homemade into a position where they are not free to assertively vie and grow as a business. Also, the fact that Ben and Jerry’s wants to remain loyal and open for business to all of its customers with a reasonable price, made it harder to stay afloat, let alone make a consistent profit. Ben and Jerry’s is surrounded with decisions and management is working on a decision to prevent from becoming stagnant and aide in creating more growth. When searching for the best solution to the problem five options come to pass. II. Alternative Solutions Considered 1. Restructuring from within and making changes to relieve restrictions, create more effective voting rights and to cut costs with vendors and other traditions would be a viable option in this situation. Ben and Jerry’s beneficial ownership structure and board of...
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...Ben & Jerry’s Case Study By: Niesha M. Felder February 22, 2014 MRKT 454 1. What do you believe is Ben & Jerry's management orientation and view toward global expansion? Provide evidence from the case to support your opinion. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the forefathers of Ben and Jerry’s, management orientation skills were very unique, promoting a free spirit approach for employees. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were not the standard corporate managers, instead they were quite bias against traditional business practices because of the short-term interests as well as large profits; most commonly corporate managers are under pressure to produce shareholders’ demands. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield did not place emphasis or value, on cash, equipment and inventory; the “tangible assets” of the firm. Instead, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield focused on “intangible assets” such as social concerns, quality of life, charity, and reputation, but in their minds the “intangible assets” were just am important if not more important. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield business values were based on growth, shareholder value, and the overall care/quality of employees. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were intentionally slow to embrace the foreign market (Kursh, Lant, Majeske, Olver, Plant, 2014). Ben Cohen was quite reluctant to embark on global expansion because he felt that it did not coincide with the mission of Ben & Jerry’s. On the other hand, Jerry Greenfield...
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...Ben and Jerry’s I. CSR Practices With over 100 different flavors catering to different tastes, Ben and Jerry’s is one of the most well-known ice cream brands worldwide. Their quirky names and incredible flavors have shaped the way we think of ice cream. Along with ice cream, Ben and Jerry’s have also become known as one of the best companies who care about the corporate social responsibility. Ben and Jerry’s was founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont, where the headquarters resides today. Grade school friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded the company with a mission to create unique ice cream flavors and make a positive impact while doing so. Ben and Jerry’s has a mission consisted of three correlated parts: product, economic, and social. Their social mission is to operate the company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally. The social mission has been to meet human needs and eliminate injustice at all three levels (Solheim, 2012, Section 3). The main focus of the company is on children, families, the environment, and sustainable agricultural. These practices are common not only to food companies, but other companies as well. Patagonia is one company that states to keep sustainable resourced, educated workers, and happy consumers (Chouinard and Stanley, 2013, E-book page 1022). Because manufacturing itself is known to create...
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...Differential voting rights Ben & Jerry’s had three equity classes: class A common, class B common, and class A preferred. The holders of class A common were entitled to one vote for each share held. The holders of class B common, reserved primarily for insiders, were entitled to 10 votes for each share held. Class B common was not transferable, but could be converted into class A common stock on a share-for-share basis and was transferable thereafter. The company’s principals—Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield, and Jeffrey Furman—effectively held 47% of the aggregate voting power, with only 17% of the aggregate common equity outstanding. Nonboard members, however, still maintained 51% of the voting power (Exhibit 5). The class A preferred stock was held exclusively by the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, a community-action group. The class A preferred gave the foundation a special voting right to act with respect to certain business combinations and the authority to limit the voting rights of common stockholders in certain transactions such as mergers and tender offers, even if the common stockholders favored such transactions. Vermont Legislature In April 1998, the Vermont Legislature amended a provision of the Vermont Business Corporation Act, which gave the directors of any Vermont corporation the authority to consider the interests of the corporation’s employees, suppliers, creditors, and customers when determining whether an acquisition offer or other matter was in the best interest...
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...Ben & Jerry were able to fulfill their mission statement with the finest quality all-natural ice cream, profitable business and by improving the community. Ben & Jerry stated, they would make and distribute the finest quality all natural ice cream with a wide variety of innovative flavors, which they fulfilled. They created interesting names such as Chubby Hubby, Chunky Monkey and Phish Food with flavors to match. With the great flavors and names produced a profitable business, which was one of the points in their mission statement. When Ben & Jerry decided to start issuing shares exclusively to the Vermont residents, it was both a financial decision as well as a social decision. It allowed the Vermont residents to become successful on the profits of a business right in their own back yard. The shares were sold at a reasonable price to allow for the purchase. In order to offer greater liquidity and capital, the traditional way of selling shares took place as well as being listed on the NASDAQ. Ben & Jerry were also innovative on how they reduced expenses as well as benefit a local business. When they moved to their new plant in Waterbury CT, there was a limit to the amount of liquid waste, therefore incur more expenses. They made a deal with a local pig farmer to feed his pigs the milky water, which the pigs enjoyed as well as loan the local farmer money to purchase 200 more pigs. This decision was beneficial to the farmer as well as Ben & Jerry, which connects their social...
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...MARKETING PLAN BEN & JERRY’S 2012-2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. CURENT COMPANY SITUATION……………………………………. 2 2. MISSION STATEMENT………………………………………………….3 3. MARKET SHARE INFORMATION…………………………………….3-6 4. MARKET ANALYSIS……………………………………………………6-8 5. MARKET COMPETITORS……………………………………………. 8-11 6. NEW PRODUCT……………………………………………………….. 11-12 7. FUTURE MARKETING STRATEGY………………………………… 12-15 8. FINANCIAL FORECAST……………………………………………….15-17 9. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………. 17 10. LIST OF REFERENCES…………………………………………… 18-19 1. CURENT COMPANY SITUATION 1.1 Short History Ben & Jerry’s it’s an American company, producing super-premium ice cream that was founded in 1978 through the collaboration of two friends: Ben Coben and Jerry Greenfield. The two began the business by opening a shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, in 1984 following the first factory to be opened. The company’s product range is plentiful with several flavors including cream, frozen yogurt or sherbet, made with natural ingredients. 1.2. Ben & Jerry’s Today In April 2000, Ben & Jerry's sold the company to British-Dutch multinational food giant Unilever. With superior marketing techniques Ben and Jerry's has positioned themselves to be the leader in manufacturing premium ice cream products. They have successfully targeted their market, and there...
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...A Quality Perspective of Ben and Jerry’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University MGMT 532 Group 1 Abstract Creative flavor names and quality products are just one part of Ben and Jerry’s, Inc. They are also deeply committed to economic and social causes, as stated in their three mission statements. Moving from selling ice cream in a little store on a corner to being distributed globally, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield dedicated themselves and their company to create a corporation that is fully aware of the local and global environment. Upon examination of the events that occurred during the process, it becomes clear that Ben and Jerry successfully attempted to make their dream a reality. The American Dream lives on because of people like Ben and Jerry that will take a chance on something they believed in. The merger with Unilever, Inc. in 2000 caused some upset within the company, but with the election of the Board of Governors, their mission and employee commitment is stronger than ever. Table of Contents Title Page…………………………………………………………………...……1 Abstract....………………………………………………………………..………2 Table of Contents........................................................................................3 Chapter 1: Introduction………………………………………………………....4 Chapter 2: Description of research setting and the quality initiative……….6 Chapter 3: Analysis……………………………………………………………..8 Chapter 4: Outlining Findings……………………………………………...
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...Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. Case Study Case Summary This case examines issues of asset control for Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., in light of the outstanding takeover offers by Chartwell Investments, Dreyer‘s Grand, Unilever, and Meadowbrook Lane Capital in January 2000. The case requires a discussion of fundamental firm objectives and the implications of a non-traditional corporate orientation; one needs to review the development of Ben & Jerry's strong social consciousness and the takeover defence mechanisms that maintain management's control on company assets. One is required to estimate the economic cost of its social agenda, and evaluate the implications of takeover defence strategies. Ultimately, we have to take a position on whether Ben & Jerry's should continue to independently pursue its social agenda or accept one of the attractive takeover offers and accept a shift toward greater profit orientation. Company Overview Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., the Vermont-based manufacturer of ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet, was founded in 1978, with a $12,000 investment ($4,000 of which was borrowed). It soon became popular for its innovative flavours, made from fresh Vermont milk and cream. The company currently distributes ice cream, low fat ice cream, frozen yoghurt, sorbet and novelty products nationwide as well as in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Ben & Jerry's scoop shops, restaurants and other venues. Objective...
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...BEN&JERRY’S HOMEMADE CASE SUMMARY Ben&Jerry’ Homemade company, which is a leading distributor of super-premium ice cream, frozen yogurts, and sorbets across the United States and overseas. It soon became popular for its innovative flavours, made from fresh Vermont milk and cream. The company have enjoyed long-term success as a result of their social responsibility and orientation, which was balanced with product and economic objectives. Since they are trying to enhance the social life for community, the company is totally fulfilling the mission statement. However, due to increased competitive pressure and declining financial performance, they have now been faced by the threat of a takeover. Recently four companies’ submitted offers and management is in the process of carefully reviewing each of them. This case states issues of asset control for Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., in light of the outstanding takeover offers by four offers, they are Chartwell Investments, Dreyer‘s Grand, Unilever, and Meadowbrook Lane Capital in January 2000. Mogan as a member of the board of directors of Ben&Jerry, Homemade for 13 years, he should be the main decision maker in the takeover issue, because he had seen the company grow both in financial and social stature. Ben&Jerry’ Homemade considered to accept one of the offers to create value in both the social mission and interest of shareholders. Comparing with other three takeover offers, I would choose Dreyer’s Grand for some reasons...
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...Case Study: Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. Mohammad A. Hoque Professor Jane Storm MKT 315 Aug 27, 2011 Ben & Jerry’s expects more from its partners than simply earning profits Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., the Vermont-based manufacturer of super-premium ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, was founded in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield with a modest $12,000 investment. Ben & Jerry's is a founding member of Business for Social Responsibility ("BSR"), an association of some 1400 or so businesses that aims to furnish "members with innovative products and services that help companies be commercially successful in ways that demonstrate respect for ethical values, people, communities and the environment." The company is now a leading ice cream manufacturing company known worldwide for its innovative flavors and all-natural ingredients made from fresh Vermont milk and cream (www.benjerry.com). Ben & Jerry's corporate strategy strives to implement the three integrated missions described as: developing a high-quality product, achieving economic growth and profitability, and incorporating social activism. The general corporate strategy can be characterized as a focused or market niche strategy based primarily on product differentiation and quality production. Although focused differentiation strategies target a narrow buyer segment, this strategy helps Ben & Jerry’s gain a strong...
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...Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Inc: Keeping the Mission(s) Alive A Written Case Analysis by Mr. Aristotle Metin CASE BACKGROUND The U.S. Ice Cream Industry The total retail value of ice cream and related products in the United States was about $9.8 billion in 1990. The superpremium ice cream market held about 9.5% of the ice cream industry in the US. By 1990, Ben & Jerry’s was a strong # 2 in the superpremium ice cream market and the fifth largest ice cream maker of any type in the United States. Ben & Jerry’s Home-made Ice Cream Inc. Incorporated in 1977 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the first Ben & Jerry’s Home- made Ice Cream shop was opened in Burlington with an investment of $12,000. The company was known for “standing for something better than a typical corporation”. Its business mission was primarily to “become a growing force for social change.” Since its inception, the ice cream company was now gearing for further business growth. It had grown tremendously (9000%) from 1981 to 1997; with a yearly average growth in net income of not less than 12%. Stockholders equity had an average 3-year growth of 20% from 1986 to 1989. In 1990, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream was a public traded company. The 5-to-1 Policy This compressed salary structure means the highest paid employee (including corporate officers) will be paid at the rate no more than five times what the lowest paid employee could earn for an equivalent work week. It was applicable...
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...10/18/2012 Ben & Jerry’s - Japan 1. Overview of the case * Perry Odak had meeting with Masahiko Iida who is the president of Seven-Eleven Japan to resolve conundrum of whether to introduce Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to the Japan market and, if so, how. Ben & Jerry’s was established by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who were school mates before, when they were in mid 20s. They were growing between 1982 and 1990 but they had suffered with their net income from 1993 to 1994 when their sales exceeded $150 million. Haagen-Dazs was the only major competitor in the super-premium ice cream market where Ben & Jerry’s was in. Ben & Jerry’s was very slow with embracing foreign market. The company only had foreign sales of $6 million, with total sales of $174 million. In the super-premium ice cream sales, Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s were still the leading brands, but Haagen-Dazs was above Ben & Jerry’s. Now Ben & Jerry’s is trying to focus on market opportunities in Japan where Haagen-Dazs already had managed to capture nearly half the super-premium market in. Ben & Jerry’s is facing some difficulties with requests or changing their strategies by getting into the market in Japan. 2. Identification and Analysis of the Key Issues of the Case. * The reason for the decision of Ben & Jerry’s getting into Japan’s market is because Japan is the second biggest ice cream market with a big possibility. With the fact, Ben & Jerry’s faced to...
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...Ben & Jerry’s Analysis By:Group 2 The case presented on Ben & Jerry’s Homemade ice-cream is complex and produces a considerable amount of deliberation. In the following pages we hope to give you a synopsis of Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield, as well as the company they created, while attempting to carefully construct answers to the questions posed on specific issues raised by Mr. Brasel in the power point slides he provided to the class. The history of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield can be dated back to when the men first met in the seventh grade. Both Cohen and Greenfield grew up in Merrick, Long Island and quickly became friends during Junior high school. After high school, Jerry finished college. His goal was to attend medical school to become a doctor, but he could not get in. (benjerry.com). On the other hand, Ben applied and was accepted to several colleges, but always dropped out of them. The beginnings for the development of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade were launched in 1977 from the front porch of Jerry’s parent’s house. Neither Ben nor Jerry knew anything about running or opening a business, but both men knew about food and shared the great passion of eating. They pondered on what type of business they would start. The men came across an AD in the local newspaper for an ice-cream-making course offered through a local college. There was a $5 fee associated with the course. Due to the extreme poverty...
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...Running head: BEN & JERRY'S Ben & Jerry's Ben & Jerry's It’s a well known fact that when Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield started their business, their main objective was to introduce a company that prided themselves on a good product with fair prices and by also showing great appreciation towards their customers and community. Ben & Jerry’s has become a household name over the years and their approach to business in comparison with other companies had a great deal to do with their success. In relation to the RDCAR model, Ben & Jerry’s is a prime example of how a company can achieve all the necessary steps in order to be ethically and financially successful. Their recognition (ethical awareness) of every aspect in their day to day business conduction is second to none. They emphasize their social responsibilities to the communities they serve by distributing a wholesome product that does not contain chemicals or anything that would be harmful, they are always considerate and respectful of the environment which they gather their resources from, and they obtain the highest obligation to their employees by creating a positive work environment and undiscriminating opportunities. Their method of discovery (ethical fact gathering) is also unique. Its as if they view themselves more as humanitarians that fight for a joust cause, rather than corporate giants that are just out to report huge profits to their shareholders. They function with a simple yet effective mission...
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