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Procter & Gamble vs Unilever: A Case of Corporate Espionage
Abstract
The case discusses the corporate espionage controversy involving two of the world's largest consumer product companies, P&G and Unilever, in the early 21st century. It gives an overview of the concepts of competitive intelligence and corporate espionage and examines the differences between them. It then outlines the evolution of corporate espionage over the centuries and examines the reasons for its increasing use. Next, the case details the covert operation conducted by P&G to gain competitive information about Unilever's shampoo business in the US. It examines the steps taken by P&G's top management after discovering the secret operation, to settle the matter with Unilever. Finally, it talks about Unilever's response to the incident, its settlement demands, and summarizes the lessons that can be learnt from this episode. |
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Issuess
The case is structured to achieve the following teaching objectives:
- Understand the concept of competitive intelligence (CI) and its need vis-à-vis the concept of corporate espionage
- Examine the evolution of corporate espionage and its impact on companies worldwide with special reference to the US
| Contents |
| A Shocking Revelation |
| Competitive Intelligence vs. Corporate Espionage |
| Evolution of Corporate Espionage |
| P&G and Unilever |
| P&G's Secret Operation |
| Lessons to be Learnt |
| Exhibits |
Keywords
intelligence,Justinian,Byzantine emperor,silkworm eggs,mulberry seeds,Common Espionage Strategies,ThermaSilk,Finesse,Helene Curtis,Vidal Sassoon,CCorporate, espionage, consumer product, companies, P&G, Unilever, 21st century, competitive intelligence, corporate espionage, differences, evolution, covert, operation, competitive information, shampoo business, US, settlement demands
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