Our latest Investing Matters Podcast episode with QuotedData's Edward Marten has just been released. Listen here.
London South East prides itself on its community spirit, and in order to keep the chat section problem free, we ask all members to follow these simple rules. In these rules, we refer to ourselves as "we", "us", "our". The user of the website is referred to as "you" and "your".
By posting on our share chat boards you are agreeing to the following:
The IP address of all posts is recorded to aid in enforcing these conditions. As a user you agree to any information you have entered being stored in a database. You agree that we have the right to remove, edit, move or close any topic or board at any time should we see fit. You agree that we have the right to remove any post without notice. You agree that we have the right to suspend your account without notice.
Please note some users may not behave properly and may post content that is misleading, untrue or offensive.
It is not possible for us to fully monitor all content all of the time but where we have actually received notice of any content that is potentially misleading, untrue, offensive, unlawful, infringes third party rights or is potentially in breach of these terms and conditions, then we will review such content, decide whether to remove it from this website and act accordingly.
Premium Members are members that have a premium subscription with London South East. You can subscribe here.
London South East does not endorse such members, and posts should not be construed as advice and represent the opinions of the authors, not those of London South East Ltd, or its affiliates.
nimshy
Indeed the debt was always his problem, it was only with the change of Chairman before the pandemic that this started to be addressed. RF fixed his debt in a derivative type of transaction which collared the debt when rates were going down.
I had several email exchanges with him over that as if that had been addressed, (& it could have), we would be in a far stronger position today, probably with all of the brewery to boot.
floor reached, price stable for a bounce and rocket with good results
Good morning barchid and all.
Again I don't recall saying I wanted him, I was intimating that having been at MARS for so long he may not wish to give it up, and when he moves to CCR he could launch a t/o for MARS.
I agree his performance has been less than stellar, certainly since 2019 however that can be said for many co's, the pandemic has hit hard. He did allow too much debt to be built up though, which didn't help.
GLA
All I see is more people with positive thoughts than negative
Enough for me to stay long, thank you.
Nimshy
I did understand what you said but after his less than stellar performance do we really want him back ?
Do you really want a loser back ?
Your call....
Hi barchid, the point I was making re RF was that having been involved with MARS for so long he may wish to keep the association going, I don't recall saying he was successful so the 'get real' comment was unnecessary but hey ho have a good evening. GLA
Some interesting posts here today, much wishful thinking. Forget any merger/takeover and certainly not at 120p.
As mentioned the board rejected an offer just over 100p from Platinum, in January. Since then Marstons agreed a Management agreement with S A Brain. The number of pubs to be managed mysteriously reduced from the initial statement.
Marstons only own 40% of the Breweries basically managed by Carlsberg.
Any offer would omit the Brewery, a considerable asset.
Investors should be aware any imaginary offer through RF's New post would not succeed for this reason. C&C is part of the Heineken Group, a much bigger brewer/supplier than Carlsberg, the Monopolies Commission would block any merger/takeover.
The hospitality Sector generally is in a mess. Apart from Whitbread, companys in the sector are down around 20% since July. Whitbread had the foresight to bolster it's balance sheet with a significant Rights Issue last year, some thing some of us believe Marstons should have done.
The Trading Statement next week will make interesting reading, but do not be under any illusion. Others in the sector have posted dire figures. Any comparison with Revolution only goes to show how a relatively small Pubco can adjust in the current climate. They only have 56 pubs.
GLA, but do'nt get swept away with the euphoria being generated.
DYOR
nimshy
RF was at the helm for 20 years but hardly successful was he ?
Divi cut to zero and 60% of the brewery sold for a song to the Scandi's, then a 105p offer rejected without even submitting it to shareholders was that a success, get real ?
The only person who thinks he was is the out of power Tesla driver, reason being he makes it up as he goes along....
I meant not really worried.
Ltcaptain
I will haha.
It shows how little I know really.
I was feeling all smug with myself because over the last 2 weeks I had taken some profit and had a fair bit of powder for a sell off, and then managed spend it all yesterday and everyone I bought retraced further until 4 15 today, where I'm even on a few from yesterday.
Still, I'm happy with my MARS purchase at 73 today and the 74 yesterday, but my overall average is still around 76 so really worried.
As someone else pointed out, the board had good reason to decline the 105 earlier in the year, so getting in at these levels seems a no brained
realistically could see them push through the merger this year while the industry is still getting back up and running, that way they can further review internals and make cost reductions on overlapping costs and go into 2022 with a stronger position before Easter - Summer sales cycle.
Would not be surprised if we got an announcement with the results next Wednesday.
Ralph Findlay has been at the helm of MARS for 20 years, it would make sense for him to take MARS under his wing again whilst in his new post at CCR. This could get exciting but maybe not until next year. AIMHO of course. GLA
JG68: do let us know next time you buy anything. We can all simply wait a few days and buy in after you. haha
The company becomes a target when it’s share price is diluted for no reasons other than external factors . Fundamentals are very strong , short to medium term bar none . A bid if it was forthcoming in the current market conditions , would amount to £110.00 per share . Watch this share sort term , W/E 15TH October . Investors will demand returns on the investments placed on the company and the board respectively .
might explain why Ralph Graham Findlay is leaving.
Also with Andrew Andrea becoming CEO, (previously chief financial officer and corporate development officer ), his time with Marston’s has included a period in the role of operations director for Marston’s Pub Company during which time he pioneered the franchise agreement which is now widely adopted across the pub industry.
Most recently Andrew, project managed the disposal of Marston’s Beer Company covering all aspects of the transaction, both financial and non-financial, as well as co-ordinating the SA Brain operational agreement last year.
Could the sale of Marstons be his final project???
Interestingly from 16th Sept 2021------------Marston's PLC today announces that Ralph Findlay, Chief Executive Officer of the Group, has been appointed as a Non-executive Director and Chair designate of C&C Group plc ("C&C"), the vertically integrated premium drinks company, with effect from 1 March 2022. It is the subsequent intention that Ralph will succeed Stewart Gilliland as Chair of C&C in July 2022.
C & C look a good fit, twice the market cap of MARS with a rising sp which could facilitate cash plus shares t/o. Need to do more research into C & C (CCR). GLA
Would like to see the directors holding more. 120p takeover price seems reasonable to me Claire. GLA.
Exon, re a bid, my thoughts exactly. GLA
potential acquisition price 120 per share?
To me this has the look of a company that is about to receive a knock out bid.
Shorts being allowed to sell.
board and general news being very quiet.
Privilege card only extended for 6 months.
marketduster your comment is likely, in my opinion
I wont give up , just bought anotger 10k, funny how the MMs are giving us all 15 minutes of bounce today, the last 15 mins trading!!
Cheers guys
jg68 don’t panic , loads of shorts in the stock as we trade today ! They are going too get burnt very soon trust me !!
thats good news!
Don't give up JG, I'm sure better times are just around the corner. Many of us have experienced the drop after we buy and will no doubt continue to do so, it's infuriating but hold on for news from MARS over the coming weeks. GLA
The Privilege Card issued in October 2018 has been extended for a further 6-months and your existing card will now be valid until 30 April 2022.
https://privilegecard.marstons.co.uk/