Defending an empire with public relations: A case study of Caesars World Incorporated's strategies against corporate raiders
Abstract
This thesis is a case study of the public relations aspects of the 1987 and 1995 acquisition attempts of Caesars World Incorporated, a gaming and hotel company whose most prominent subsidiary is Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purpose of the study was to explore what scholars and professionals had postulated about the role of public relations and determine whether these practical applications melded with their concepts. The study indicates that during these episodes public relations was an important component of the takeover process in that it helped align communication strategies with financial objectives. However, the functions performed were of a supportive nature and are not, as some scholars suggest, critical to the overall defensive scheme of the targeted company.