Description: There is an increasing trend for early-stage companies to debut on the stock market through a reverse takeover. Reverse takeovers provide a cost-effective option for new firms to access much needed finance. Source: BNN Date: June 26, 2015 Video Link: http://www.bnn.ca/Video/player.aspx?vid=644583 Questions for Discussion: What are reverse takeovers? Why are reverse takeovers popular… Read more »
Posts By: tonym
WestJet face union concerns
Description: WestJet was often exemplified as culturally more vibrant than Air Canada; it also had no unions and employees had ownership rights over the fortune of its company. However, recently, a group of WestJet pilots have applied to unionize. This could mean a significant transformation in WestJet’s organizational culture. Source: Financial Post Date: June 26,… Read more »
Dollarama—a Canadian retail success story
Description: Amidst falling fortunes for retail stores in Canada, one Canadian discount store that has not only survived but thrived under the harsh economic environment, is Dollarama. Recently, it reported a 22 percent surge in profits this year. Source: CBC Date: June 10, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2669206539/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss Dollarama’s success model. What… Read more »
Twitter CEO’s journey from stardom to obscurity
Description: Twitter’s CEO, Dick Costolo, once the darling of the employees, board of directors, media and even the Wall Street—in 2013, he was named Time’s 10 most influential tech CEOs, ran into major trouble with the investors. Recently, Dick Costolo resigned as Twitter’s CEO, much to the delight of the investors. Source: Fortune Date: June… Read more »
Subway spiraling downwards
Description: Once the undisputed market leader in healthy food alternatives, Subway has been loosing ground to its competitors—both old and new. Subway’s U.S. sales have fallen faster than any other of America’s top 25 food chains. Source: New York Times Date: June 03, 2015 Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/the-rise-and-fall-of-subway-how-the-worlds-biggest-food-chain-lost-its-fresh-appeal Questions for Discussion: Discuss the rise and… Read more »
HBC set to open new stores
Description: Despite the increasing number of retailers that have recently shut shop, Hudson’s Bay Company is betting big on retail stores. It is opening seven Saks full-line luxury department stores in Canada, in addition to 25 Saks Off Fifth sores. Source: BNN Date: June 03, 2015 Video Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2015/6/3/HBC-bets-big-on-retail-bricks-and-mortar.aspx Questions for Discussion: 1. In… Read more »
Shopify’s initial public offering smashes expectations
Description: Shopify, an Ottawa based company, sold 7.7 million shares at $17 apiece to raise $131 million in its initial public offering, smashing expectations. Shopify provides software for small businesses that helps them sell their products online. Today, more than 160,000 stores across 150 countries use Shopify. Source: CBC Date: May 26, 2015 Video… Read more »
Does Alberta need a carbon tax?
Description: The CEO of Suncor Energy—a Calgary based Energy Company specializing in synthetic crude production from oil sands—suggests a broad-based carbon tax for Alberta. He feels a carbon tax will help both the environment and the economy of Alberta. Source: CBC Date: May 22, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2667701903/?page=2 Questions for Discussion: 1. What is… Read more »
Lavish executive pay on the rise
Description: With increasing shareholder discontent towards lavish executive pay, one would assume that high executive pay will be curbed. However, the opposite seems true. In the U.S. C.E.O. pay has risen on average 12 percent annually. Source: New York Times Date: May 16, 2015 Video Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/business/shareholders-votes-have-done-little-to-curb-lavish-executive-pay.html?ref=business&_r=0 Questions for Discussion: Why has executive pay… Read more »
Biggest recall in U.S. history
Description: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. recalled 34 million cars – the largest in the U.S. history; in other words, one is every seven cars in the U.S. is being recalled. The reason for the recall is defective airbags made by Takata – a Japanese company. This recall involves 11… Read more »