Albright and Wilson - The Last 50 Years

This is an extraordinary blow-by-blow story of a venerable but vulnerable British chemical company which in its last 50 years went round a circle from family-dominated quoted company to subsidiary of a major American conglomerate and then re-flotation before final absorption by a French company. Rapid expansion in the 1950's and 1960's was followed by disastrous mistakes, leading to a near-collapse and rescue by Tenneco Inc. in 1971. Although wholly-owned by Tenneco from 1978, Albright & Wilson retained its identity and management until it was divested by a public offering in 1995, as a part of the break-up of Tenneco. Less than four years later, a slump in the company's share price after disappointing results led to a take-over battle, won by the French chemical company Rhodia, and final disintegration.

 "The contribution made to British Industrial development by the chemical industry has been unique. I commend the book by Hugh Podger which tells the whole story of Albright and Wilson in a clear and open way."

- Sir John Harvey-Jones (Former Chairman of ICI)

"In its prime, Albright & Wilson was an outstanding example of a British chemical company, second only to ICI and a self-assured leader in its field of phosphorus chemistry. How A&W lost its way and finally its identity thanks to unwise investments and the neglect of marketing skills makes gripping reading."