I’ve been very skeptical of pressers talking about the economic recovery; at least in my own backyard, things look pretty bleak, unemployment continues to climb, housing values continue to decline, companies continue to shutter their doors. But I have just returned from one of my quarterly two week drives around the country, this trip covering… Continue reading Spring Has Sprung, the Economy in Rebound
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Carl’s Jr. Update
(OPINION) Investor Norman Peltz (Wendys/Arbys group, says he wants to play too, is studying CKE financials to see if he wants to bid. Peltz is an activist investor, and as head of Triarc Companies, has hit a couple home runs (let’s not talk about Snapple, tho). On the other hand, TH Lee, the first bidder,… Continue reading Carl’s Jr. Update
Lee Bags Carl Karcher
CKE, parent of Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s picked up by Thomas Lee Partners for close to a billion, including debt assumption. Lee also holds big stakes in Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins. This is the second big food deal this week, with the news that Diamond Foods (DMND) of California has gobbled up Kettle Foods… Continue reading Lee Bags Carl Karcher
Current “Small Money” Opportunity Portfolio
We are working with the following small money opportunities. These deals are all pre-screened for cleanliness of organization, market potential, principals that “get it.” (This is not an offer to buy or sell any securities or real property; as always before considering opportunities of this nature you should consult legal and accounting counsel). We welcome… Continue reading Current “Small Money” Opportunity Portfolio
Show Me the Money!
All the “small money guys” I know got beat up in the market last fall and aren’t looking for deals. That’s a shame, because there are so many opportunities right now. Even retail, previously a taboo for investment, think about what the demand is going to be like when we come out of this thing! … Continue reading Show Me the Money!
Bankruptcies Up! Opportunities Up Higher!
Nearly 30,000 companies filed for bankruptcy protection in the first half of 2009, up 64% from the previous year. Chapter 11 filings were up 113%. This means opportunity for the astute buyer. You can buy competitive customers for pennies on the dollar, acquire a cherished brand name, intellectual property, and maybe a great employee or… Continue reading Bankruptcies Up! Opportunities Up Higher!
Steak ‘n Shake Hungry for Western Sizzlin
Steak ‘n Shake and Western Sizzlin Corp. have announced they have signed a non-binding letter of intent to merge the Sizzlin group into a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNS. The deal is valued at $23 million. SNS has 486 restaurants, and the Sizzlin folks operate or franchise 113 outlets in 19 states. Full press release here.
Looking a $ Gifthorse in the Mouth
Raising money is always difficult, even in the best of times. I play my part, by searching out all manners of financing, whether it be a straight investment, a strategic play, or even financing by way of increased sales for your product or service. These days, money / investors are really tough to come by. … Continue reading Looking a $ Gifthorse in the Mouth
Reconstructed Cash Flow
In marketing your business, the idea is to make it as attractive as possible to any prospective buyer, but of course stay within the confines of legality and ethics. You should consider having a pro-forma reconstructed cash flow statement of what the operation might look like under a different owner,but I wouldn’t send these statements… Continue reading Reconstructed Cash Flow
The Sum of the Parts
You probably learned the word “arbitrage” in the Julia Roberts/Richard Gere film “Pretty Woman.” They gave quite a detailed explanation of how the sum of the parts, in a business, is sometimes worth more than the whole. Under certain circumstances, this might be an option for you – selling off inventory, intellectual property or patents,… Continue reading The Sum of the Parts