The biggest: a dramatic shift away from slow-growth newspaper publishing, leaving the company to focus more on its higher-margin entertainment and digital-distribution properties.

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In the latter years of Svanholm's regime, the world's big brewers were buying up local brands outside their home markets and then pumping their own premium, high-margin products through the local distribution networks.

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He also notes that the company will be consciously giving up some gross margin as it expands the use of distribution partners and grows its international business.

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Abbott has also made some manufacturing and distribution process changes that are likely to drive margin improvements across its businesses.

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For instance, Renault had done a good job on cutting vehicle development costs, but its operating margin was still subpar because it was uncompetitive in other areas, including logistics, distribution and marketing costs, Pelata said.

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