Description: The president of Bell Media urges Canadian Broadcasters to get rid of U.S. networks such as CBS, NBC and FOX from Canadian Airwaves. This comes in light of Bell Media’s over-the-air-network CTV loosing $40 million last year. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: March 06, 2015 Text Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/take-us-networks-off-canadian-airwaves-bell-media-urges/article23343364/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss the… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Competitive Advantage (pp206-207)
The McDonald’s Slump
Description: It seems one of the world’s most recognizable brand is in decline – McDonalds faces a severe challenge; it warned that business will be weak in the near future as it reported a 21 per cent drop in fourth-quarter earnings. Source: CBC Date: February 28, 2015 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/the-mcdonald-s-slump-are-golden-days-of-golden-arches-over-1.2975314 Questions for Discussion: Discuss the reasons for… Read more »
Will DVDs survive against the online streaming options?
Description: DVD rental businesses such as Redbox are competing against several online media streaming options available to Canadians. Despite the increased competition, Redbox CEO, Mark Horak, is confident that Redbox offers a unique advantage over its competitors such as Netflix. Source: CBC Date: December 05, 2014 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2627018058/ Questions for Discussion: What is the… Read more »
Top 10 most influential brands in Canada
Description: Ipsos Reid announced the ten most influential brands in Canada. It lists brands such as MasterCard, Walmart, Tim Horton’s and Apple. The number one brand on the list is Google. Source: CBC Date: Jan 28, 2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2433488781/ Questions for Discussion: What are some of the interesting facts that spring out from this list?… Read more »
Loblaw to acquire Shoppers Drug Mart
Description: Loblaw, Canada’s largest grocery chain is all set to acquire Canada’s largest pharmacy chain, Shoppers Drug Mart for $11.9 billion. This is the second major deal in this sector in recent months: lately, Sobeys acquired Safeway for $5.8 billion. Source: Dealbook Date: July 15 2013 Link: http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/07/15/loblaw-to-buy-shoppers-drug-mart-in-canada/ Questions for Discussion: What are some of… Read more »
Canadian Tire’s innovative ‘digital retail lab’
Description: After acquiring Forzani Group’s stable of sports brands, led by Sport Chek, Canadian Tire, Canada’s largest sports retailer, is digitally revamping its stores. Sport Chek’s store in upscale Toronto has digital kiosks and interactive screens where you can customize your shoes. Source: Yahoo Finance Canada Date: May 17 2013 Text link: http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canadian-tire-rolls-focus-innovation-180000867.html Questions for Discussion: Is… Read more »
Canadian cellphone bills likely to rise further
Description: Canadian cellphone users are already paying a high rate, but with Telus likely to acquire Mobilicity, the cellphone bills are likely to increase further. The consolidation of the Canadian cellphone market will mean that the large cellphone players have fewer incentives to reduce prices. Source: CBC Date: May 16 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2385683002/ Questions… Read more »
Dollarama a bright spot in struggling retail sector
Description: Amidst shrinking margins for most Canadian retailers and grocers, Dollarama has surpassed expectations with with swelling margins and strong profits. Source: Business News Network Date: April 11, 2012 Video Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2012/4/11/Dollarama-a-bright-spot-in-struggling-retail-sector.aspx Questions for Discussion: What do you feel are the reasons for Dollarama’s success? Does the success of Dollarama indicates that Canadian consumers are… Read more »
A Golden Opportunity
Following a hostile takeover attempt by Chinese Minmetals, Equinox Minerals agreed to a friendly takeover by Barrick Gold. The offer, yet to be approved by shareholders, increases the bid made by Minmetals and increases shareholder value. As part of the deal, Equinox agreed to drop its bid for Lundin Mining. QUESTIONS: What level of strategy… Read more »
A Marathon Split
Marathon Oil, with operations throughout the United States and Canada, will soon be two companies. The move has been in the works for nearly two years, but low oil and gas prices kept the company from making it until now. Marathon Petroleum will be responsible for refining operations. Marathon Oil will focus exploration and production…. Read more »
