[TenTec] FW: ARLX007 Motorola buys Yaesu

[Kevin Purcell]

Moto will, however, own 80% of it. And usually 51% is enough  
depending on the contract they signed :-)

The speculation (and it is speculation) is founded on the "normal"  
corporate pattern of of focusing on money to the exclusion of  
everything else (even if "everything else" is making a profit if that  
profit is less than the profit that they could be making producing  
other products). A corporate mindset cares only about next years  
numbers and then you may be in another position.

One thing I didn't realize was that Yaesu was privately held. That  
gave the owners a lot of freedom to decide what products they wish to  
make. If "Yaesu-san" decides amateur radio is a good idea then Yaesu  
makes amateur radios. When suit who has "stockholder fiduciary  
interest" (note the quotes) gets in that position I wouldn't be too  
sure.

It made me think what are the corporate structures of Icom and  
Kenwood? Ten Tec I presume is privately held, along with Elecraft.  
And I presume there is no venture money in either of the latter  
companies.

Anyone know what the profit margin is on amateur radio equipment? How  
does it compare to commercial (or perish the thought) defense/ 
security products?

Expect to start to see changes in a year or so if they do make  
changes. No point in controlling something if you can't make changes.  
It shows who is in charge. But I really don't see it being a portable  
component of the company -- they might sell the current designs but  
what about future designs? So I don't buy MFJ buying it.

* My cynical view of corporate behavior is based on having been  
through a couple of mergers/takeovers. They're often disasters with  
babies being thrown out with the bathwater.

On Nov 6, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote:

> Well, the know-it-alls over on the QRZ.COM forums would have you  
> believe
> that Motorola is either going to shut down the Amateur division,  
> sell it to
> the Chinese, or sell it to MFJ.
>
> Now, mind you, there are no facts to back any of this up, just wild
> speculation.  But they already know everything, so you can take it  
> to the
> bank.  Just ask them.
>
> Keep in mind, of course, that while Motorola will own a controlling
> interest, they won't own it all.  So we shall see.  And I wouldn't  
> expect
> anything to happen right away.

--
73 DE N7WIM / G8UDP
Kevin Purcell
kevinpurcell at pobox.com