FTD's Next Step?

[Julie]

Dear People:

Thought you might be interested in this piece looking at FTD's possible next move:
http://www.humanflowerproject.com/index.php/weblog/ftds_next_step/

Would appreciate hearing how all the company structural twists and turns have impacted you.

All good wishes,
Julie

 

[BOSS]

Thanks Julie.... John wrote a very good account of the facts...

I think a buyer will surface...eventually... but I'll bet it will be Asian, and will bargin for a basement price, as there is much more knowledge about both the industry as a whole, and FTD in particular on "The Street" today than there was the last time FTD was sold.

 

[carol]

Mark, just read your comment posted on this article.. that should shake things up a little, ya' think? NOthing like telling Wall Street that there is 'word on the street' to get them to go look deeper into things.

Julie, thanks for posting this link to a very interesting article written by an outsider

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

it's a good read.....

and the live link for FTD member florists to respond is very attractive...I'm thinking.......

 

[Bigted]

My understanding is that door #3 is the current frontrunner. Another private equity firm that will squeeze hard to get its return. And, as a future squeezee, I'm not that thrilled.

 

[CHR]

And, as a future squeezee, I'm not that thrilled.

:> The problem is that we're all 'squeezees' since in the WS world of monkey see, monkey do we can expect other national companies to follow FTDs moves if they generate more cash.

Before anyone says "I'm wire service free so FTD has no affect on me" please think again. National ads shape consumers' expectations about flower prices, products and services. FTD rebate dollars to OGs also increase the cost of advertising to all florists in local markets, whether it be the in YPs or on the web.

I had a lengthy phone call from a gentleman from a private equity firm looking at FTD this week. He'd read some of my blog posts and was interested in specific aspects of the way wire service work and the current landscape of flowers by wire. Will be interesting to see if his firm purchases FTD or if they are acting as a consultant for a third party.

 

[Jerry]

I'd have to say Cathy, he picked the right person to question from the get go.

 

[BOSS]

I'd have to say Cathy, he picked the right person to question from the get go.

Yep... very *questionable* indeed