CASE FILE #BLPD-1960-01-01-001
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Tyco International

Corporate Merger Case

CLASSIFICATION: Financial Crime

LOCATION

Princeton, New Jersey, United States

TIME PERIOD

2002

VICTIMS

0 confirmed

CASE ACTIONS
AI ANALYSIS
OFFICIAL BRIEFING (FACT-BASED)

On January 25, 2016, Johnson Controls announced its intention to merge with Tyco International, a security systems company incorporated in Ireland with operational headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey. The merger aimed to combine the businesses under the name Tyco International plc, which was finalized on September 9, 2016. Key figures involved included George R. Oliver, CEO of Johnson Controls, and Edward D. Breen, Chairman of Tyco. The merger was part of a strategic move to enhance operational capabilities and market reach in the security solutions and fire protection sectors. As of now, Tyco International is defunct, having fully integrated into Johnson Controls International plc, marking a significant consolidation in the industry.

COMMUNITY INTELLIGENCE (THEORY-BASED)

Community analysis and theories will be displayed here when available.

FULL CASE FILE

The Rise and Fall of Tyco International: A Corporate Saga

Tyco International, an Irish-American security systems company, was a behemoth in its field. Incorporated in the Republic of Ireland with operational headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, Tyco was a formidable player in the security solutions and fire protection industries. As a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol TYC, Tyco's journey from its inception to its eventual merger with Johnson Controls in 2016 is a gripping tale of ambition, scandal, and redemption.

The Genesis: 1960s

The story of Tyco began in 1960, when Arthur J. Rosenberg founded the company as an investment and holding entity, initially focusing on Tyco Semiconductors and The Materials Research Laboratory. The early years saw the company delve into governmental research and military experiments, before it was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1962. A pivot toward high-tech materials science and energy conservation products marked this era. By 1964, Tyco had gone public, setting the stage for a series of acquisitions, starting with Mule Battery Products.

Expansion Era: 1970s

The 1970s were a period of explosive growth for Tyco. The company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1974, and by the decade's end, its sales had soared past $500 million, with a net worth nearing $140 million. This success was fueled by strategic acquisitions, including Simplex Technology and Grinnell Fire Protection Systems.

Restructuring and Growth: 1980s

The early 1980s saw Tyco focus on organizing its acquisitions into three distinct segments: Fire Protection, Electronics, and Packaging. This restructuring aimed to capture significant market share in each area. The later part of the decade saw further acquisitions, including Grinnell Corporation and Allied Tube and Conduit, leading to another reorganization into four segments, a structure that remained until 2007.

Aggressive Acquisitions: 1990s

Dennis Kozlowski took the reins as CEO in 1992, ushering in a decade of aggressive acquisitions, reportedly over 3,000 companies. This spree included notable entities like AMP Inc. and Raychem Corp. Tyco's transformation into a global powerhouse was underscored by its 1993 name change to Tyco International Ltd. The acquisition of AT&T Submarine Systems in 1997 further cemented its position in the telecommunications sector.

The Scandal Unfolds: Early 2000s

The turn of the millennium saw Tyco continue its acquisition strategy, culminating in a fiscal 2000 revenue exceeding $28 billion. However, this period also marked the beginning of Tyco's troubles. By 2002, Tyco was embroiled in a massive scandal involving CEO Dennis Kozlowski and his management team. Allegations of nondisclosure and financial mismanagement led to a federal lawsuit against former executives, including CFO Mark H. Swartz.

A New Era of Leadership: 2002 Onwards

In July 2002, Edward D. Breen was appointed as Tyco's new CEO, tasked with restoring integrity and stability. Breen swiftly replaced the existing board and leadership, instigating a two-phase internal investigation into the company's past malpractices. Under Breen’s leadership, Tyco filed federal lawsuits against Kozlowski and Swartz, while the SEC charged them with civil fraud.

Legal Battles and Corporate Reforms: 2003

The legal fallout from the scandal continued into 2003, with Tyco facing class-action lawsuits related to its retirement plans. Despite the turmoil, the company focused on internal restructuring, forming a new Plastics & Adhesives segment and revamping its corporate governance policies.

Merger and Transition: 2016

The saga of Tyco International culminated on January 25, 2016, when Johnson Controls announced a merger with Tyco. This strategic move combined the businesses under the newly named Johnson Controls International plc, a merger completed by September 9, 2016.

Through its storied history, Tyco International exemplifies the heights of corporate ambition and the depths of scandal, ultimately finding a path to redemption through strategic corporate governance and leadership changes.

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CASE TIMELINE
Jan 1, 1960

Tyco Founded

Tyco, Inc. was founded by Arthur J. Rosenberg as an investment and holding company.

Jan 1, 1992

Kozlowski Becomes CEO

Dennis Kozlowski is appointed CEO of Tyco International, initiating an aggressive acquisition strategy.

Mar 18, 1997

Merger with ADT

Tyco merges with ADT Limited in a reverse takeover, moving its incorporation to Bermuda.

Jan 1, 2002

Scandal Erupts

Tyco becomes embroiled in a scandal involving former CEO Dennis Kozlowski and CFO Mark H. Swartz, accused of theft.

Jun 17, 2005

Kozlowski Convicted

Dennis Kozlowski and Mark H. Swartz are convicted of fraud and theft, receiving prison sentences.

Jan 18, 2011

Acquisition of Broadview

Tyco announces acquisition of Brink's Home Security Holdings, valued at $2 billion.

Oct 1, 2012

Company Split

Tyco splits into three independent companies: Tyco, ADT Corporation, and Flow Control.

Jan 25, 2016

Merger with Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls announces merger with Tyco, combining their businesses under a new entity.

Sep 9, 2016

Merger Completed

The merger between Johnson Controls and Tyco is completed, forming Johnson Controls International plc.

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