Problem

Consider Exhibit 15–1 . Identify the countries or regions with the highest and lowest perc...

Consider Exhibit 15–1 . Identify the countries or regions with the highest and lowest percentage change in Fortune 500 companies. Provide an explanation for these percentage changes.

EXHIBIT 15–1

Location of the World’s Largest Multinationals in 2009 and 2012

Country/Block	Number of 2009 Companies	Number of 2012 Companies	Percentage Change
European Union	163	138	-15%
United States	140	132	-6%
Japan	68	68	0%
China	37	73	+97%
Switzerland	15	15	0%
Canada	14	11	-21%
South Korea	14	13	-0.07%
Central/South America	11	13	+18%
Australia	9	9	0%
Russia	8	7	-12.5%
India	7	8	+14%
Others	14	13	-0.07%