Monthly Archives: August 2017

The Strategy Behind Acquisitions

Acquisitions – why do they happen?  As an Industry guy involved in many takeovers (taking over, and taken over), I’ve seen many strategic reasons for an acquisition. Usually, there’s more than 1 reason in play. I’ve created a crude table (below) listing 17  key reasons.

This is another of those blog posts where I’d love it if industry colleagues would chip in some insights. Students eagerly await your wisdom!

Not shown here: a column describing ‘What Research Can Do’ in each scenario, so Acquisition decisions are made (and initial post-acquisition business moves are made) with greater wisdom. To see THAT column, you must be enrolled as a student at Seneca college – or be an industry partner to the college.

Membership – and paying it forward- has its privileges!

Steven

why acquire a company?

 

How many #trends can you spot?

A fine CSA article calls your attention to several trend-worthy #retail concepts.

http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/now-trending-eight-clicks-bricks-retailers-keep-eye

Feel free to make your own notes on which particular ‘macro’ trends are driving or supporting each of these retail concepts eg CSR (charitable or community involvement), transparency, authentication, customized, artisan or locally crafted, VIP treatment, etc.

If that challenge seems like too much work (or if you’re on a NoThinkingRequired sabbatical), then maybe this article will be less taxing; just two of the above listed trends are driving this new Roots foray:

http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/cabin-chic-new-roots-concept-will-customize-your-jacket-and-monogram-your-purse

Steven

Customized Gyms a ‘fitting’ #trend for Millennials

cool L.A. Times article (link below); Millennials are resisting ‘mass targeted’ gyms & fitness activities. As per Chris Anderson’s astute and visionary The Long Tail, more customized fitness ‘experiences’ are imo going to be the fitness trend, beyond Millennials, too!

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-boutique-fitness-20170823-story.html

Enjoy!

Steven

 

Knockoff vs Homage

When is a copycat product ‘inspired’ by your proprietary design and trademarks a threat ? When is it a…. partnership opportunity????

Usually the news that your brand is being copied signals the entry of another ‘low-life copycat ripoff’.

Adidas’ actions show there’s room for distinction between types of copycats. imo that makes sense; low-cost options undercut the consumer & constitute a BIG VOLUME threat that must be met with hard, fast litigation.

But an upscale ‘homage’ to your brand ? Not much of a volume threat certainly, and, in fact, kind of a respectful nod. Enjoy this soulful story.

SL

Why is Adidas partnering with a knockoff brand?