MFI MBO

[jamiebae]

Am I the only one thinking that anyone who has put money into this is about to lose their house? They're buying into a dog of a business at a time when the market for its products is on the floor, the only reason MFI has survived this long is because of Howdens which was spun off a while ago.

Even though it was reportedly bought for a token price with a large(ish) dowry I still don't see how it'll last the next 12 months.

[10 Pence Short]

The top and bottom of it is sales. If there aren't the sales, there isn't going to be a business for much longer.

I can't see how MFI could be expected to either trade out of its difficulties or change its offer in time.

[jamiebae]

All the profitable non-core stuff was sold off last time the business was bought for £1 a couple of years back, I'm pretty sure all that's left now is the core MFI retail business. I guess the previous owners have already stumped up a lot of cash for re-branding and store refurbishment but I still don't see how you can turn it into a viable business.

In a market where consumers are scared of losing money and won't pay deposits to a company they don't trust the MFI brand is seriously damaged goods. In the current financial climate where people are reigning in their spending on non-essential items I can't see the business turning around any time soon.

[cjs]

Who owns Shrieber(SP) and Hygiena? These are the products which MFI sell, what will happen to them and their factories and employees? I hope they survive.

[jamiebae]

cjs said:

Who owns Shrieber(SP) and Hygiena? These are the products which MFI sell, what will happen to them and their factories and employees? I hope they survive.

I think they're just brands put on products from a range of different manufacturers who produce things for MFI.