Bayer AG’s failure to identify weaknesses in Merck & Co.’s over the counter drug business before it bought it in 2014 sets a problematic precedent for its latest acquisition, an M&A expert told me today. Why? Read my piece for the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal.
Figuring out GAAP is not the only challenge, WSJ
A U.S. investigation into the lack of write-downs at Exxon Mobil Corp. despite the slump in oil-prices has brought to light the challenge of assessing impairments under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). But, for international companies and U.S. firms with foreign operations, figuring out GAAP is not the only contest. For the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal, I have taken a closer look at write-downs under GAAP vs. IFRS.
Hinkley Deal Could Be Make or Break For EDF, Analysts Say, WSJ
Finally! The British government has given the green light for the new nuclear reactor in Somerset. The project could either bolster or wreck EDF, the majority shareholder. Why? I have taken a closer look at the financials of the deal.
SAP-Linked Venture Fund Raises $1 billion, Generates Returns and Insights, WSJ
Luka Mucic in effect has two positions at SAP AG. He officially serves as the enterprise management software giant’s finance chief while also, less formally, overseeing the venture capital fund the company launched a generation ago. Sapphire Ventures LLC on Wednesday announced fresh capital commitments of $1 billion. For my new story, Mr. Mucic explained what SAP wants from its offspring.
Bayer Financed Monsanto Deal With Debt To Avoid Shareholder Vote, WSJ
t is the biggest foreign acquisition in the history of corporate Germany. For the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal, I haven taken a closer look at the financing of the Bayer Monsanto tie-up.
Tiffany CFO Hire Shows Companies Prize Culture Fit Over Experience, WSJ
An odd move? Tiffany’s new financial officer has never worked in luxury retail before. For the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal, I have spoken to headhunters and analysts about why the appointment speaks to a broader trend in the CFO selection process – and why it could actually be a clever choice.
Early Culture Clash Dooms Linde-Praxair Deal, WSJ
Linde and Praxair have called off their merger talks, barely four weeks after the start. For the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal, I asked corporate governance experts why this is such a rare move.
Tesco Still Needs to Overhaul Corporate Practices, WSJ
Three former employees of Tesco PLC have been charged for false accounting. For the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal, I have spoken to a management expert about whether the supermarket chain has managed to improve its corporate culture since the scandal broke in 2014.
European Corporate Investment May Lag Despite ECB Bond Buying, WSJ
The ECB today decided to keep interest rates and its asset purchasing program unchanged. For the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal, I have spoken to companies about what the ECB’s corporate bond buying means for them – and their appetite for M&A, share buy-backs and further expansion.
Bayer moving out its comfort zone with Monsanto bid, WSJ
75 % debt financing, a rights issue plus a potential downgrade: In my first story for the Wall Street Journal’s CFO Journal, I take a closer look at why Bayer’s financing for the Monsanto takeover marks a departure from its typical, conservative approach to acquisition funding.