安达信咨询方法与工具资料库INCHCAPE.DOCVIP

Case: Inchcape: Creating an Effective Global Finance Function Inchcape, based in the United Kingdom, is a major international services and marketing group in more than 80 countries. Its 1993 sales were nearly ￡ 6 billion and the group has more than 47,000 employees in subsidiary and associated companies. Inchcape provides product distribution (especially automobiles) and marketing representation for many of the world’s leading companies and services (primarily insurance brokerage and inspection and testing). It is the world’s leading companies and services (primarily insurance brokerage and inspection and testing). It is the world’s largest independent importer and distributor of motor vehicles with operations in 30 countries as well as the world’s largest shipping services company. Toyota is the biggest client, although Inchcape has links with 29 other leading motor manufacturers. 1993’s ￡ 291 million operating profit was generated by three divisions: motors (61 percent), marketing (20 percent) and services (19 percent). The company has a strong presence in Hong Kong and across the entire Asia-Pacific region, where 45 percent of operating profit was earned compared to Europe (38 percent), the Americas (11 percent) and the Middle East (6 percent). Prior to 1992, Inchcape was a “hybrid” organization incorporating both geographic and product dimensions. On January 1, 1992, Inchcape formally implemented across the group of global business stream structure (after selective introductions in specific territories) around three main business streams: motors, marketing and services. These in turn are subdivided into specific business units. For example, there are four branches in the services division of the group: insurance, testing, buying and shipping services. Management accountability rests within the business stream organization. In addition, generally the chief executive of the largest business stream in a particular country assumes responsibilities to