Case Notes/Answers
Case Solutions for Alpes S.A. A joint Venture proposal
(A) notes
Discussion Questions:
1. As a member of the CRL’s board of directors, should CRL go ahead with this proposed
joint venture? Why or why not? Be prepared to argue your position.
2. As Alejandro Romero, why do you want this joint venture?
3. Are there realistic market opportunities? What issues or problems do you foresee?
4. If the board approves the joint venture, what advice would you give Dennis Shaughnessy
as to how to proceed?
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806M27
Teaching Note
ALPES S.A.: A JOINT VENTURE PROPOSAL (A) AND (B)
TEACHING OBJECTIVES
1. To understand the process of negotiating and entering into international joint ventures.
2. To recognize the issues involved when a multinational company proposes a joint venture with
a smaller, family-owned firm.
3. To appreciate the differences in corporate and national cultures that must be bridged to
achieve a successful joint venture, including differences in corporate governance.
4. To emphasize the importance of personal relationships in understanding the potential partners,
their business and their country, in order to make a decision about entering the joint venture.
OVERVIEW
This case was developed for use in courses in organizational behavior, general management or
international management. It is suitable for classes or seminars intending to illustrate issues and
concepts related to the building of effective organizations, change leadership and managing
international alliances. The international context of the case also makes it applicable to an elective
course or seminar dealing with cross-cultural management or international management.
Dennis Shaughnessy, senior vice-president (VP) for Corporate Development and general counsel
for Charles River Laboratories (CRL), must prepare a presentation to the company’s board of
directors requesting up to $2 million investment in a Mexican joint venture to create a state-of-
the-art specific pathogen-free (SPF) egg production facility.
Case Solutions for Alpes S.A. A joint Venture proposal
(A) notes
Discussion Questions:
1. As a member of the CRL’s board of directors, should CRL go ahead with this proposed
joint venture? Why or why not? Be prepared to argue your position.
2. As Alejandro Romero, why do you want this joint venture?
3. Are there realistic market opportunities? What issues or problems do you foresee?
4. If the board approves the joint venture, what advice would you give Dennis Shaughnessy
as to how to proceed?
, #
#
806M27
Teaching Note
ALPES S.A.: A JOINT VENTURE PROPOSAL (A) AND (B)
TEACHING OBJECTIVES
1. To understand the process of negotiating and entering into international joint ventures.
2. To recognize the issues involved when a multinational company proposes a joint venture with
a smaller, family-owned firm.
3. To appreciate the differences in corporate and national cultures that must be bridged to
achieve a successful joint venture, including differences in corporate governance.
4. To emphasize the importance of personal relationships in understanding the potential partners,
their business and their country, in order to make a decision about entering the joint venture.
OVERVIEW
This case was developed for use in courses in organizational behavior, general management or
international management. It is suitable for classes or seminars intending to illustrate issues and
concepts related to the building of effective organizations, change leadership and managing
international alliances. The international context of the case also makes it applicable to an elective
course or seminar dealing with cross-cultural management or international management.
Dennis Shaughnessy, senior vice-president (VP) for Corporate Development and general counsel
for Charles River Laboratories (CRL), must prepare a presentation to the company’s board of
directors requesting up to $2 million investment in a Mexican joint venture to create a state-of-
the-art specific pathogen-free (SPF) egg production facility.
