Nash Engineering: 100 Years of Evolving Family Commitment (B)

As a multi-generational family business with a 100 year history in industrial engineering, the Nash Engineering Company had turned many challenges into opportunities. But in the late 1990s, the market for their products collapsed. The family and executive managers were faced with several options. Should they try to continue as a stand-alone organization? Should they pursue a strategic acquisition? Should the family sell Nash Engineering? There were many factors to consider, among them individual shareholders’ need for dividends and liquidity, and the family’s sense of pride in their heritage. What was the best solution for the business and the family?

There were many factors to consider, among them individual shareholders' need for dividends and liquidity, and the family's sense of pride in their heritage. What was the best solution for the business and the family? The teaching objectives are: (1) exploring the importance of family involvement in decisions that affect the business; and (2) exploring options for the next generation: stand-alone; merge or acquire; or sell? An instructors media support DVD '802-035-0' is available to accompany this case series.