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Case Study

Atlantic Computers plc

By Stewart Hamilton and Verity Croudace

23 pages

April 1997

Reference: IMD-1-0160

A charismatic entrepreneur, a Formula 1 racing car driver and a computer leasing company. Put them together and you have Atlantic Computers plc (Atlantic). This case charts the growth of this extraordinary company from its start up in 1975 on a £50,000 loan through to becoming the world’s third largest computer leasing company. The reasons behind Atlantic’s success are examined. Many are seen to be a double edged sword. At what point does the drive, ambition, dominance and flare of a charismatic Chief Executive Officer become a negative rather than a positive influence?

Keywords

Leasing, Growth by Acquisition

Settings

Europe, United Kingdom
1987

Type

Published Sources

Available Languages

English

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