Question:
This document is a benchmark of LEI electronics. The research conducted in this document was based upon the key concepts of; mergers and options, determination of growth, recent trends in capital structure, financial leases/sale and lease back. The companies that have been included in this document are; Mcdonalds, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cingular, Apollo Group, Captaris, Quest Diagnostics, and Whole Foods Market Inc. Mergers are structured as either cash-for-stock or stock-for- stock transactions. The selling transactions receive cash from the buyer in the first type of transaction and receive stock in the buying company in the second type of transaction. Mcdonald's initially invested in Chipotle in 1998 when the Denver based burrito restaurant had about 15 units, making chipotle the first concept other than its own McDonalds ever invested in. McDonalds grew to become Chipotle's largest investor in 2001. McDonald's investment helped chipotle build a national brand with more than 500 restaurant. "McDonald's original investment represented a strong vote of confidence in what Chipotle was doing at the time," said Steve Ells, founder, Chairman and CEO of Chipotle, who sought McDonald's as an investor to help finance the growth of his small burrito chain. "They have been a terrific partner for us, providing needed capital, shared access to other resources as needed, and also the autonomy to pursue our vision" (Arnold, 2006).