Financial and Non-financial Issues and Risks of Setting Up Foreign Subsidiaries and Impact of Export Trade

According to our market forecast study in 2003, demand for office supplies in the UK is declining which forces IFM Supplies plc (IFM) to penetrate new markets in order to achieve its growth and profit objectives. Another reason for exploring overseas markets is the aim to diversify risk across national boundaries making IFM less dependant upon single markets. According to the decision 63/2006, the board of directors is planning to establish foreign subsidiaries during the next few years in Europe, Asia and Africa. This report written by the finance department and directed to the CFO Mr Kamara, gives an overview of financial and non-financial factors (Chapter 2) that have to be considered before finalising the proposal. Potential risks and a brief description of possible external strategies to manage such risks are described in Chapter 3. The impact of export trade will be explored in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 highlights three remedies for IFM’s high foreign debtors.