A Long Time In Finance
Fallen Angels: The Fall of the House of ICI
Mar 22, 2024
Writer and industrial commentator Nick Comfort discusses the fall of ICI, a leading British manufacturing company. They delve into ICI's self-sabotage, struggles in adapting to markets, impact of leadership decisions, and the company's demerger. The conversation highlights the implications of corporate raiders, ownership shifts, and the importance of industrial policies in supporting British firms.
23:55
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- ICI's decline stemmed from its failure to adapt to changing market dynamics and its shift towards unprofitable ventures.
- The company's heavy debt burden, acquisition of unprofitable businesses, and unbalanced portfolio contributed to its downfall.
Deep dives
The Rise and Fall of ICI: A British Industrial Giant
Once considered a bellwether of British industry, ICI, or Imperial Chemical Industries, was founded in 1926 as a British chemicals giant. By 1993, it had generated 50,000 patents and was Britain's largest manufacturing company. However, internal decisions and a changing market led to its eventual decline.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
