Tech Mahindra Logs in to Satyam Computers
Finally, the search is over. Tech Mahindra takes over the beleaguered and bruised Satyam Computers, by acquiring 51% stake (31% through preferential allotment and 20 % through open market). On April 20th 2009, Mr. Anand Mahindra was in Satyam Learning World where he addressed the press and the Satyam's Leaders. And the message was clear; 'we are here to stay and we want you to stay with us (including the interim CEO, Mr. A. S. Murthy)'. He planted a beautiful sapling in the forelawns of Satyam Learning World's campus in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The employees reactions were mixed. I had the pleasure of talking to many of the employees and majority of them were elated that it was taken over by Tech Mahindra. For all of them, it didn't matter who is going to acquire Satyam. For, seldom their opinions would have mattered. When I specifically asked about Tech Mahindra, most of them are happy that it's being taken over by a company headed by Mr. Anand Mahindra, a HBS-educated manager. He is one of the very invited guests on HBS's forum to reflect on the 100 years of Harvard MBA sharing the forum along with Jeffrey Immelt and others. He is shrewd, business-savvy, forward-looking, pragmatic and he can make the difference. After all, it's he who made the difference with his "Scorpio" that came and stung Indian SUV lovers. Hopefully, he would do the same thing at Satyam Computers too. All the Satyam loyalites are however in a quandary: Will Satyam's name be retained?
What do you think Mr. Anand Mahindra and his team must be doing in handling this phase of the transition? Would Tech Mahindra be better off with or without Satyam's tag?
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Its true that a great man of vision had acquired a big IT giant, Satyam Computers and become an emperor to sit on the helm of the global company. He became a God for all Satyamites by saving their company's reputation and giving it a new life. God has mercy, but I think the so-called "forward-looking and pragmatic" neo-God of Satyam do not have mercy, as far as his goals and aims are concerned. As you said, he can definitely make a difference, but, with his stubbornness in making his ideas move forward, no body can expect what this gentle man do.
May 19, 2009 at 2:44 AM“If you look at the history of companies that have grown to be great, there is only one thing they need and that is strategic intent and conviction. I don’t care about the rest of the stuff. We’ll get there. We can do this all day. We can whiteboard this endlessly – about all the things we need to do - consulting skills, high value stuff but I’m not being trivial when I say if you guys want to get there, we can do it. Frankly, that’s why I’m here – not just to remain the 4th largest company.” This confidence of Anand Mahindra, says it all. This gentleman, for sure, doesn't seem to settle to the 4th spot that he got as a complimentary with the acquisition of Satyam. And that must be encouraging signal to all the employees. His gusto might as well be a catalyst to rejuvenate Satyam. For, that is the kind of leadership resolve that the Satyam employees were eagerly waiting. He can well prove to be the alchemist, if he gets certain things accurate and foremost among them is setting-up a team that can handle a company of that scale.
May 19, 2009 at 2:57 AMWhile none doubts his business acumen, his inexperience in managing a software company of this big, can be a potential detractor. This case study "Tech Mahindra Logs in to Satyam Computers" had been a good resourse for me in making my students analyse the challanges ahead of Anand Mahindra.
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