The Larson Trust holds a broad portfolio of firms. One of the Trust’s holdings, Music World, is growing at roughly the same, or slightly slower rate as the overall economy. The Trust is considering selling the firm. What stage of the industry lifecycle is Music World most likely in, and which method of selling the firm is most probable?
A) |
Decline phase, divestiture. | |
B) |
Stabilization phase, equity carve-out. | |
C) |
Stabilization phase, divestiture. | |
Music World appears to be in the stabilization phase, as it is growing at approximately the same rate as the overall economy. If it were in the decline phase, growth would be negative. Divestiture, most likely to a firm in a similar line of business, is more likely than an equity carve-out. A divestiture would allow the buyer to consolidate market share. An equity carve-out would involve a public offering of shares with only marginal attractiveness as a stand-alone enterprise. |