A
joint venture (often abbreviated
JV) is an entity formed between two or more
parties to undertake economic activity together. The parties agree
to create a new entity by both contributing
equity, and they then share in the
revenues,
expenses, and
control of the enterprise. The venture can be for one specific
project only, or a continuing business relationship such as the
Fuji Xerox joint venture. This is in
contrast to a
strategic alliance,
which involves no equity stake by the participants, and is a much
less rigid arrangement.
The phrase generally refers to the
purpose of the entity
and not to a type of entity. Therefore, a joint venture may be a
corporation,
limited liability company,
partnership or other legal structure,
depending on a number of considerations such as
tax and
tort liability.
When are joint ventures used?
Joint ventures are not uncommon in the oil and gas industry, and
are often cooperations between a local and foreign company (about
3/4 are international). A joint venture is often seen as a very
viable business alternative in this sector, as the companies can
complement their skill sets while it offers the foreign company a
geographic presence. Studies show a failure rate of 30-61%, and
that 60% failed to start or faded away within 5 years. (Osborn,
2003) It is also known that joint ventures in low-developed
countries show a greater instability, and that JVs involving
government partners have higher incidence of failure (private firms
seem to be better equipped to supply key skills, marketing networks
etc.) Furthermore, JVs have shown to fail miserably under highly
volatile demand and rapid changes in product technology.
Some
countries, such as the People's Republic of China
and to some extent India
, require
foreign companies to form joint ventures with domestic firms in
order to enter a market.
Brokers
In addition, joint ventures are practiced by a
joint venture broker, who are people
that often put together the two parties that participate in a joint
venture. A joint venture broker then often make a percentage of the
profit that is made from the deal between the two parties.
Reasons for forming a joint venture
Internal reasons
- Build on company's strengths
- Spreading costs and risks
- Improving access to financial resources
- Economies of scale and
advantages of size
- Access to new technologies and customers
- Access to innovative managerial practices
Competitive goals
- Influencing structural evolution of the industry
- Pre-empting competition
- Defensive response to blurring industry boundaries
- Creation of stronger competitive units
- Speed to market
- Improved agility
Strategic goals
- Synergies
- Transfer of technology/skills
- Diversification
Reasons for dissolving a joint venture
- Aims of original venture met
- Aims of original venture not met
- Either or both parties develop new goals
- Either or both parties no longer agree with joint venture
aims
- Time agreed for joint venture has expired
- Legal or financial issues
- Evolving market conditions mean that joint venture is no longer
appropriate or relevant
Examples
See also
External links