World Perspectives

EU Studies Trading Houses

As part of its witch hunt for unfair market practices, the EU Parliament’s AGRI Committee requested a study of the major agricultural commodity trading companies and their impacts.  The study may inform populists in the U.S. that also see consolidated industries as inherently harmful, but the bottom line for policymakers is what can they logically do about such concerns. Lawmakers, especially in Europe, should heed this week’s warning by Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel who said, "Europe has a cultural tendency to over-regulate, which is naturally a disadvantage. We need balance, it's always a question of balance, and we need to accommodate both [technology development and democratic values and human rights]."Oligopoly: The rep...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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