Tiger Balm: The jewel in the crown
In 2014 Mr Han Ah Kuan, executive director of Haw Par’s Healthcare Division, was pleased with what had been achieved since he took charge in March 1991. The division’s revenues had grown substantially between 1991 and 2013. Operating profit margins were healthy and the return on assets employed quite acceptable. The Tiger Balm business, which was the division’s jewel in the crown, had been revitalized and Tiger Balm products were distributed in 74 countries in 2013. New products aimed at younger consumers had contributed significantly to the growth of the business. The business might have been even larger if it had not been for the regulatory constraints that it faced. Because its products were considered to be pharmaceutical products, new ones had to be approved before they could be launched in each country, and this had led to significant lags in their introduction in many countries. There were also rules restricting where the products could be sold and what was permissible for advertising and promotion. Mr Han’s key priority going forward was to continue to grow the business without sacrificing profitability, and he knew that identifying and implementing the right growth option would be critical to the future success of Haw Par’s healthcare business.
Developing a growth strategy which balances market share and financial objectives. Managing regulatory constraints.
Haw Par Corporation, Healthcare
1991-2014
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 7 November 2024
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications