3G Capital Inc., a Brazilian private equity firm, embraces its reputation for cost cutting. 3G are the largest shareowner of Burger King owning a more than 70% stake in the company. 3G are always looking for ways to cut costs and to approach business in the most efficient way possible. This way of operation corresponds to Milton Friedman’s view of an ideal business. 3G hires the most efficient and best suited workers and constantly lay off workers it deems inefficient. For example, upon acquiring Burger King, 3G lay off head office staff. Friedman views the market as a machine and 3G operates as such. Now, the Brazilian based firm has its eyes set on Tim Hortons Inc. Their move is seen as a controversial one as they plan on moving Burger King corporate headquarters abroad to attain lower tax rates. This is seen as controversial because Burger King, like many large corporations, are evading paying taxes to a country that is $17 trillion dollars deep in debt. Although this can be seen as an unethical move, it stays true to how Friedman said that companies do not have social responsibilities and operate to maximize shareholder benefits.
References:
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/aug/26/burger-king-tim-hortons-11bn-deal