5BUSS003W: International Business Practice- The Global 3D Printing Industry- Essay Writing Assignment

Internal Code: 1HICJ

Essay Writing Assignment:

Task: According to PWC, the 3D Printing industry is predicted to grow significantly from around $2.5b in 2013 to $16.2bn by 2018. Printers are getting faster and more affordable and the key industry players have invested a great deal in R&D. As some patents have expired, the global open-source has also made some refinements and improvements and widened the appeal and adaptation of 3D printing technology. Like the Internet, digital and e-commerce environment of the 1990’s, it appears that the 3D printing sector is gathering pace to produce one of the most potentially disruptive technologies of the 21 st century. While the 3D printing industry has slowed, it is undergoing significant changes and global corporations outside the industry are also considering entering in the future because of the huge potential. According to the 3D Systems case study, 3DS has made over 30 international acquisitions by 2014 (16 in 2011 alone). Other sources claim 3DS has now accumulated as much as 50 acquisitions by 2015 1 . There is strong evidence of consolidation in the 3D printing industry and 3DS have demonstrated a very aggressive acquisitions culture. According to AT Kearney the next natural evolution in a globalising industry like 3D Printing is merger strategy. Critically discuss whether a leading company like 3DS should now consider a merger strategy 2 or seek an alternative way to consolidate and grow its global 3D printing business. In your answer you should consider the following:

• The merits of continuing an aggressive acquisitions strategy of smaller companies
• What type of merger partners would create greater global influence in the industry for 3DS?
• Are there viable strategic alternatives to merging?
• Use of relevant academic theories, concepts and practical evidence from both the supplied case and further secondary research.