Hajji "IBM Australia are a standalone entity." It may be a separate entity but is still a (100% owned?) subsidiary of IBM USA. And this is not the only IBM subsidiary. So the local management has to report to their counterpart in USA. The Big Boss in USA has the final say in policy matters.
"If GM pull out of Australia because we are too expensive then so be it" If GM pulls out like Ford and Mitsubishi, it would be due mainly to the high cost. Ford stated that they lost money on Ford cars made in Australia but made a profit on imported Fords.
"How can a bank make a $2+ billion profit...." Easy as ABC. Just increase the fees and charges.
