Most mergers are driven by the notion, sometimes wildly mistaken, that the combination will bring both a competitive advantage. Some pairs of companies, however, seem so intuitively right for one another, no bottom-line considerations should be allowed to interfere with their matrimony. Like a Best of the Bee Gees CD and a mullet haircut, these two seem made for one another.I admit to frequent bouts of pettiness, and the name Bed, Bath and Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) tickles that nerve -- beyond what? And isn't the word order wrong? Don't most of us bathe, then go to bed, and then, if we're lucky, beyond?
So, out of that petty reasoning, I went looking for a candidate for BBBY that could resolve the confusing name problem, and came up with the perfect candidate: Playboy Enterprises (NYSE: PLA). With Hugh Hefner as a partner (in the business sense, that is), we would know exactly what was meant by "beyond."
The partnership even makes vague business sense. Playboy is attempting to take its storefront operations in locations such as London upscale, with designer goods and minimal sleaze. Stocking them with some of the more high-end BBBY goods might make them more appealing for middle-class shoppers.
On the other hand, a few more risqué items (I'm thinking smoking jackets, tobacco pipes and bunny ears) might tickle Bed, Bath and Beyond regulars.
The name problem? I'd be forever grateful to see the new, unambiguous name: Bath, Bed and Bunny.
The name problem? I'd be forever grateful to see the new, unambiguous name: Bath, Bed and Bunny.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-28-2007 @ 9:56AM
High lawn said...
My wife & I have close to 15 years employed with the company & being an insider it is really no surprise why the stock is tanking. The end of this downslide is not in sight either. We both got out due to poor management decisions & personally knowing Lenny Feinstein & Warren Eisenberg, & taking their position into account only further solidifies what we already know. Get out while you can there are only so many life-jackets to go around before this ship sinks all together.