Groupe Schneider is a world leader in electrical distribution, industrial engineering equipment, and industrial control and automation. To promote a stronger value creating culture, Schneider implemented a performance measurement system based on Economic Value Added.

In February 1996, Merton Electronics was reviewing its currency risk position. Its principal foreign suppliers were Japanese and fluctuations of the dollar/yen exchange rate during the past 2-3 years seemed to have had a serious impact on costs and earnings.