I’m For Sale - first guy with $55 Million!

Obviously, it’s fun to watch companies buy other companies, and create huge conglomerates - but at the same time, it often just doesn’t make sense to me.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the guys at High End. If anyone deserves a payout, it’s Lowell and Richard (yeah, bob too I guess…) because it’s them who had the foresight and energy to build a highly respected brand. Along the way - sure, they’ve made mistakes - but in the end, they’ve not managed to hurt a successful brand name.

However… $55 million?? I have always heard that most offers were in the mid 20’s (and some less..) then all of a sudden someone comes in at double, or triple that amount. I am certain this had everything to do with a horrible dollar, and healthy Euro. The price is heavily discounted when you look at it that way. I just don’t understand the math though - but that’s just me.

The only problem is - the money isn’t going to those who deserve it most. The big winner on this deal is Generation Partners, who converted loans to equity and ended up owning a majority. Not sure what percentage the founders will receive, but I am sure it’s enough to put a smile on each of their faces after all of the vultures have taken their cuts.

Congrats guys - and please, send any future buyers over here. I’d love an over-payment myself!!

Free LED Retrofit Lamps!!

This week, one of my companies - LED Source made an interesting more to establish a “Referral Program” for friends of mine, my partner, and really - anyone who works in the company.

We created a deal whereby a friend can purchase LED Replacement fixtures for use in his / her home replacing the Incandescents. In addition to the MASSIVE electric savings (approximately 80-90%) my “friend” will be buying these fixtures at our cost. In return, all we ask is that they sign a simple sheet stating that the friend will show these lights to their visitors, and will try to explain the benefit. Then - they can hand their visitor a Discount card - that will entitle them to a discount on the same fixtures from LED Source.

When their visitor makes a purchase, we will automatically credit our friend’s account for $5 / lamp purchased. In the end, the goal is to AT LEAST cover the cost of the friend’s initial lamp retrofit.

Cool idea huh?

Marcel