News & Events

The Mouse that Roared - Innovation, Intrapreneurship and Acquisitions

Professor Dennis Shaughnessy delivered the fourth Mason Hayes & Curran sponsored masterclass on Thursday June 22nd at the DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship.

The masterclass entitled "The Mouse that Roared: Innovation, Intrapreneurship and Acquisitions” explored topics such as platform acquisitions, intellectual property, US corporate governance principles, and strategic entrepreneurship in the life sciences, in the context of Shaughnessy’s former company, Charles River Laboratories. “Intrapreneurship” is a new spin on “entrepreneurship” where it involves innovation within an established organisation. 

He also discussed progress being made in relation to international manufacturing operations of life sciences’ companies.

Shaughnessy was a senior executive with Charles River Laboroatories, a Massachusetts based company that provides enabling products and services to the global pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries. One of its earliest products was a high-tech form of laboratory rat.

To demonstrate his points Professor Shaughnessy focused on a strategic acquisition programme consisting of 12 typical steps. The program contemplates acquisition targets that are small, privately held technology businesses.

Shaughnessy explained that growth through strategic acquisitions can be a powerful and effective way for an ambitious small to mid-sized technology company to reach its long-term goals of market and technology leadership.  While not without risk, a thoughtful and disciplined acquisition program acts as a complement to organic growth and can produce long-term and sustainable value for shareholders, management, and employees.

Pictured are, from left to right: Dennis Shaughnessy (Executive Professor, Northeastern University) and Declan Black (Partner, Mason Hayes & Curran)

If you are interested in attending further masterclass events please contact Sharon Glennon on 01 614 5000.