Falck and the US Ambulance Market: Run Silent, Run Deep?

Abstract

This case study focusses upon the development of Falck in the ambulance market in the United States. The diversity of the USA in respect of the ambulance market was summed up by a comment (repeated by different informants) that ‘one contract is one contract’ meaning when you have seen one contract you have only seen one and the next one may be different. By this was meant that every contract was different and the USA possibly represents one of the most varied markets for private provision of ambulance services. In effect the USA arguably represents a litmus test for the extent to which Falck is able to internationalise. If Falck is able to access the variety of different markets represented by the USA then it can be seen as evidence that Falck possesses the competence to enter a wide diversity of related markets.