This supplement to China Kelon (A): Diversify or Not, product number 9B03M004, deals with the issue of integrating two large business groups after the Number 6 air conditioner manufacturer, Kelon Group, acquired the Number 5 air conditioner producer, Huabao. While Kelon Group is a non-state owned company, Huabao was spun off from a state owned enterprise group. It was a landmark acquisition case in which a non-state entrepreneurial firm took over a state enterprise that had strong name brand and national reputation. The two companies have different resource bases, history, tradition, corporate culture, management style, product features and reward systems. They were traditionally close rivals located in the same township. The two companies exhibit potential for synergy and the combined capacity will put the new Kelon-Huabao as the top air conditioner manufacturer in terms of market share. However, this outcome depends on a successful merger and integration.
