Richard Ratner
Richard Ratner
chance deal last offer reasonable time whilst
Whilst the last time it was a '24-hour wonder', we think that there may be a reasonable chance that a deal could go through this time around, but it will take time for an offer to be formulated.
easy fruit grasp perceptive relatively whilst
Whilst much of what Stuart has done has been relatively easy fixes, at least he has been perceptive enough to grasp the low-hanging fruit -- many wouldn't know what to do,
business double five four huge next pity potential profits suspect
It would be a pity because we think there is huge potential in that business to double profits over the next four to five years, but if 40 pct of your shareholders want out, then I suspect that is what may happen.
clear lower margin
Inference is that margin will be lower because of need to clear stock.
business clear indication looks thinks volition
It looks as if he is going of his own volition which is a clear indication of where he thinks the business is going.
anyone bulls buy cling commit funds hope market poor thinks until
It's a poor (Boots) statement. The bulls will cling to the hope of a bid, but will anyone commit significant funds to buy a retailer until one thinks that the market has bottomed?
additional bid looks management raise unable
This looks like a knock-out bid as the management, in our view, would be unable to raise the additional finance.
develop difference high operations putting sensible town whether
It's a sensible idea to develop e-commerce. But whether putting the whole high street/out of town operations under one fascia makes any difference is a moot point.
deals
All the big deals have already been and gone.
clear clever general impression running
The general impression was very good, with merchandise well displayed, and clear differentiation between the departments -- not running into each -- and clever use of graphics.