Publications
Publications
- May 2004 (Revised August 2004)
- HBS Case Collection
Enron Odyssey (A), The: The Special Purpose of "SPEs"
Abstract
The board has asked Ron Tolbert, an employee in the Risk Assessment and Control Group, to analyze three SPE transactions executed by Enron executives: the Destec, Rhythms, and Fishtail/Bacchus transactions, which were prominently featured in the Examiner's Report in the ensuing Enron bankruptcy. Tolbert's job is to assess why Enron used SPEs for these transactions, whether risk was successfully transferred off the balance sheet, and whether risk transfer was the only motivation.
Keywords
Financial Management; Financial Instruments; Analysis; Accounting; Financial Strategy; Energy Industry
Citation
Chacko, George C., Bala Dharan, and Eli Strick. Enron Odyssey (A), The: The Special Purpose of "SPEs". Harvard Business School Case 204-009, May 2004. (Revised August 2004.)