Publications
Publications
- December 2003 (Revised August 2004)
- HBS Case Collection
Circon (A) (Abridged)
By: Brian J. Hall, Christopher Rose and Guhan Subramanian
Abstract
In 1996, U.S. Surgical launched a hostile takeover bid against Circon Corp. CEO Richard Auhll recruited an old HBS friend, George Cloutier, to the Circon board to help him defend the company. Circon's primary defenses include a "poison pill" and a staggered board and lead to the longest-running takeover battle in U.S. corporate history. This is an abridged version of an earlier case.
Keywords
Motivation and Incentives; Governing and Advisory Boards; Executive Compensation; Trust; Relationships; Acquisition; Business and Shareholder Relations; Medical Devices and Supplies Industry; United States
Citation
Hall, Brian J., Christopher Rose, and Guhan Subramanian. "Circon (A) (Abridged)." Harvard Business School Case 904-023, December 2003. (Revised August 2004.)