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Skil Corporation

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Skil Corporation
On March 23, 1979, Emerson Electric Company acquired Skil Corporation, a manufacturer of portable power tools, for $58 million. With sales of $2.6 billion in 1979, Emerson Electric produced a broad range of electrical and electronic products and systems. Emerson Electric Company Emerson Electric, originally a manufacturer of electric motors and fans, had gradually expanded into a broad range of consumer and industrial products. It classified its businesses into commercial and industrial components and systems; consumer goods (including portable electric tools); and government and defense products (see Table A). Emerson’s business units manufactured products principally in electrical and electronic fields, such as electric motors, controls, drives, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment. The company also manufactured power chain saws, gas cutting and welding equipment, vacuum cleaners, bench power tools (which it sold to Sears), and other consumer goods. With a stated goal of being the so-called best-cost producer in as many of its markets as possible, Emerson stressed cost reduction. Emerson defined best cost as Table A millions) Sales and Pretax Income of Emerson Electric by Business Segments ($
1978 Sales Commercial and industrial Consumer Government and defense Intercompany sales $1,380 698 176 (20) Pretax Income $201 123 21 Sales $1,570 865 199 (20) 1979 Pretax Income $232 141 24

Source Company annual reports

2 the lowest-cost producer of high-quality products, making its products a superior customer value. Each division was measured on growth and return on invested capital. Emerson had embarked on a program of acquisitions to meet its aggressive-goals of growing sales 15% annually and doubling earnings by 1981. Previously, Emerson had acquired only financially successful companies and had retained existing management.

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