Valid points.
Ten years cannot be described as "short term" in the corporate world.
In terms of aquisitions, 10 years is a very short term. 5 year plans are very normal in annual planning sessions, merely going out to 10 is nothing for an acquisition. A private equity company would easily think about 10 years out because they have to consider if they will even want to own such a purchase. Further, making money on a large purchase like a company takes many, many years. Ilford is not a company that private equity could buy and flip for a profit in 3-5 years; they need to think longer. Due diligence certainly must have allowed for them to consider what happens 10 years forward.
"Keeping it going" for even ten years was quite an accomplishment by the five former owners of HARMAN. Pemberstone's continuing the business for yet another ten years, through the end of its site lease, would be an even greater accomplishment in my opinion. Should Ilford products remain in production after 2025, I'd be ecstatic. But, given our lack of factual information, I'll not count on it.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Hasn't failed me yet.
Disagree. The 5 previous owners have done all the heavy lifting. They right sized the company, and put into place methods and distribution that have clearly made Ilford sustainable in today's reduced film market. The new owners essentially have to just steer the ship as-is, and find ways to grow the business if at all possible. Small steps can be taken (to avoid disruption) and if they work can be made into larger steps to improve the business.
