cover image The Emerging Markets Century: How a New Breed of World Class Companies Is Overtaking the World

The Emerging Markets Century: How a New Breed of World Class Companies Is Overtaking the World

Antoine van Agtmael, . . Free Press, $28 (374pp) ISBN 978-0-7432-9457-7

Over the past 15 years, emerging market economies have grown rapidly, despite volatility and frequent crises. Companies from Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico and China, as well as some smaller countries, have become global leaders in a variety of industries. This book gives capsule summaries of 25 such companies—including Samsung, Concha y Toro, Televisa and Hyundai—to dispel the belief that developed market economy "companies continue to lead in global presence, in technology and design, and above all, in brand recognition and marketing prowess." As an experienced investor at the World Bank Group, the author has long acquaintance with these companies and shrewd insight into their strengths and weaknesses. His compelling summaries illustrate creative management solutions absent from most business textbooks and case studies. The best of these companies have turned challenges that are uncommon in developed economies into unconventional opportunities. But readers should also be wary: van Agtmael does not warn investors that good companies are not always good investments, because profits do not always accrue to shareholders or the stock may be overpriced. (Jan. 9)