May 9, 2008
Consolidation within the Retail Imagery, Graphics and Signage sector, which is highly fractionated and competitive, is likely to accelerate in the years ahead.
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April 15, 2008
According to the US Census, there are over 8,000 giftware, collectible, tableware and home décor accessory importers, wholesalers and distributors in the US. For years, these firms scoured the world and brought low-, mid- and high-end tzotchkes, knick-knacks, and stuff to the US market. Today, these companies are under siege by the trends of globalization, disintermediation, increasing retail competition and the weakening dollar. Though the number of establishments was relatively constant from 1997 to 2002, the latest year where figures are available, there is little doubt a consolidation is occurring as firms are being sold and liquidated. The days of a marketplace full of small importers and wholesalers are waning, to be replaced by a directory of larger, more sophisticated designers, and retailers importing directly.
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April 15, 2008
Merger & acquisition activity in the US food & beverage industry continued at a strong pace in 2007, driven by three major trends: strong consumer demand for food & beverage products that promote health & wellness, sharply-rising raw material prices, and private equity investors’ heightened focus on CPG companies. As all three factors continue to influence the sector, expect further consolidation in many sectors of the food & beverage industry in 2008.
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December 11, 2007
The past ten years have been a period of transition among the top 100 direct mail catalogers
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October 2, 2007
Selling your company is generally a once in a lifetime event fraught with emotion and filled with risk. Both money and a lifetime of work are at stake, therefore the considerations before and during a sale are vitally important. The process is important, and mistakes can cost a great deal, so one should proceed methodically.
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October 2, 2007
As an investment banker for middle market companies, my job is to do three things:
1. Sell businesses for owners who wish to exit or have a “liquidity event;”
2. Assist companies or private equity groups buy businesses;
3. Raise capital, either equity or debt, for growing companies.
My experience, and the many years of investment banking experience of my colleagues, has taught us a few things about the deal business. Some of the lessons have been hard, some profitable, but all well learned.
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July 12, 2006
Just-in-time deliveries and Internet connectivity has developed in such a way over the past ten years that many direct marketing businesses base their business model and success on virtual inventories. What do I mean by “virtual inventory”? Essentially, virtual inventory is drop shipping merchandise orders directly from vendors’ stock rather than the more traditional stocking merchandise in anticipation of demand. While there are exceptions, a company with virtual inventory should have the ability to achieve faster growth, better focus, and higher valuations than more traditional “stock and ship” companies.
Let us briefly discuss the risks and benefits of both models.
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June 1, 2006
In the last few months, the effects of increasing inflation are evident…increasing oil prices, upward wage pressures, higher interest rates, and the rising Yuan. So what is the impact of expanding inflation on multi-channel marketers?
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February 1, 2004
Based on third-quarter results from the publicly traded companies tracked, consumer catalogers had reason to be optimistic about holiday sales. Eighty-one percent of the marketers tracked for Catalog Age by investment bank Tully & Holland reported improved third-quarter sales.
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January 1, 2004
James Adams, Managing Director at Wellesley Hills, MA-based Tully & Holland, Inc. reports that the Financial Report for Catalog Age reflecting 4th Quarter revenue and net income.
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May 21, 1999
While mergers among giant public corporations capture headlines, small to medium-sized private companies are not immune to this phenomenon. It is easier to sell and finance mega-mergers like Chrysler Daimler-Benz and Amoco and British Petroleum, but what about selling mid-market companies? How do you sell your private business? How do you finance an acquisition? There are a number of issues that must be carefully examined by potential buyers and sellers before they even enter the market.
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May 21, 1999
The best time to sell your company is when its prospects are good. A buyer will pay more for a company that is well positioned for future earnings growth.
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