Leonardo and Co - Case Study Reference No. 803-045-1

Citation

Martin F (2003) Leonardo and Co - Case Study Reference No. 803-045-1. ECCH Case Study, 803-045-1. http://www.ecch.com/educators/

Abstract
In the case study, the founder of the chain of restaurants trading as Leonardo and Co, Mike Conyers, is reflecting on the crucial mistake in allowing himself to be carried away by the pressure on him from both the non-executive directors and from the bank to expand the business rapidly. Each of these 'pressure groups' all felt that they were on to a profitable roll which would see the chain built up rapidly for a float in 2003 and as a result of the float, all concerned would make a very good return on their initial investment of £850,000. However the business failed for a number of reasons and as such paints an interesting picture of the problems behind rapid growth from start-up. The case study implies all of this and students should either see this or be helped to identify the main causes of the financial difficulties.

Keywords
Entrepreneurship; Rapid growth; Business model; Restaurant business; Bank funding; Executive directors; Entrepreneurial management