The euro as an opportunity for value creation Available to Purchase

Asks whether the introduction of the euro has added value to firms, noting that it has reduced imports, exchange rate volatility and transaction costs in member states; and stimulated European mergers and acquisitions and cross‐border deals, even though these may be hampered by nationalism, tax/legal differences and problems with language and culture. Constrasts trens towards consolidation with restructuring, divestment and downsizing in some companies; and looks at the effect of changes in euro values on manufacturing industry, prices and margins. Believes that uniform pricing will not be achieved until the euro is used by all firms in the region, buyers are able to act on price differentials and obstacles to eliminating differentials are removed; and explains why none of these conditions are met at present. Suggests that businesses should prepare for the greater complexity in themarketplace which also represents an opportunity for value creation.