Categories
Technology

Man Who Aims to Save BlackBerry

BlackBerry, the previous kingpin of mobile devices,has now been replaced by the  new innovations from Apple and Android. Outdone by its combination, BlackBerry has taken a steep dive over the past year  and is looking for a savior. Their prayers were answered. Prem Watsa has step forward to make a deal with BlackBerry.

Who is Prem Watsa- The man who aims to save Blackberry  

Although being often referred to  as  Warren Buffet’s Canadian counterpart,  he has never really been in the medial spotlight.  Prem Watsa has be renown for taking chances against the markets, butting heads with analysts and ultimately coming out on top. Through his infamous “budget chops” that reaped profit in the unlikely time of USA’s recession, Watsa has shown that he can make good out of a bad situation.  However, can he revive the seemingly irretrievable company of BlackBerry. Apple and Android have occupied the majority of the market and established a comfortable lead midst its competitors. With many disregarding the BlackBerry brand as a “weaker smartphone” the chances for revival are slim. Will Watsa restore RIM back into its powerhouse position as the “smartest”  smartphone or has his Warren Buffet’s idea of  “investing in quality, looking into the future” made him dig an early grave?  Only time can tell.

 

References:

http://globalnews.ca/news/858573/prem-watsa-canadas-warren-buffett-hatches-plan-to-salvage-blackberry/

http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/23/4762666/blackberry-receives-buyout-offer

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Categories
ethics

Record BREAKING £14M Fine

   Caught in between what we want and what we have to do seems like a tough call for most, but does it have to be mutually exclusive?  Well if your a multinational accounting firm, it is.

   Deloitte, one of the largest accounting firms in Canada and a proud sponsor of UBC, has been fined a record breaking £14 million by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). Being accused of “having a conflict of interest” and giving misleading fiscal advice, Deloitte is under the microscope for their representation of their companies and their own moral code.

   Held victim to this betrayal is United Kingdom’s automobile firm MG Rover.In addition to the final outcome, there was another issue facing the crisis in 2000 when four local businessmen, nicknamed “The Phoenix Four”, purchased the company for £10 and went to pay themselves a total of £42m before the firm collapsed.   As MG Rover collapsed it went with a £1.4m debt and a total loss of 6,000 jobs.

   As an aspiring student who wishes to seek an occupation in financing or accounting, the amount of actions being inconsistent to the social values seem to be endless. I imagine Friedman’s idea on how companies should work among “social norms” and “laws” seems  to be too optimistic for the world today.

References:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/deloitte-given-record-14m-fine-over-mgroverphoenix-affair-8805861.html

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/sep/09/deloitte-record-fine-mg-rover-deal

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