It’s certain there will be job losses, how many and exactly where, is yet to be announced. Kraft will already be working on the who and where but as yet, all that remains a closely guarded secret. There are legal implications and competitive consequences of divulging information about job cuts so we’ll just have to bide our time until the official announcements are made.

As with any business deal, Kraft believes there is a benefit to be derived from the acquisition of Cadbury. If there was not a financial return to be leveraged, why bother?

It’s possible though less likely that new products or markets can be sourced in an already mature marketplace, so it’s more likely that cost savings have been identified. Integration of ‘back-office’ systems as well as preferential buying terms from suppliers can also be anticipated but what about the human cost?

The takeover will mean significant change for those directly and indirectly associated with Cadbury.

We observers will likely have to wait for the passage of time to see whether this latest development benefits one of Great Britain’s world class brands.
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A century ago, ships set sail from this Wharf, delivering their cargo to all points of the globe. As you can see the dock has frozen-over.

This image is a metaphor for business conversations we’ve experienced over the last week. Things seem to be on hold; budgets are frozen, investment is halted, marketing and development plans suspended. Whether this is due to post holiday season inertia, pre-election hesitance, impending fiscal year-end or some other reason is any one’s guess.

Until the metaphorical and meteorological thaw sets in, it may be prudent to revise business plans for the ensuing flood. After all, we know from experience, when the snow and ice melt, the water has to go somewhere. Happy planning.
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The reputations of both individuals precedes them; Marc Bolland from Morrisons to M&S and Archie Norman who is credited with transforming ASDA, takes over at ITV. Both gentlemen have been at the helm of significant business transformations in highly competitive sectors and during difficult times, why else would have been hired?

The respective pay packages are significant; whether they are pricey or a valuable depends on the results both achieve.

Director and shareholder expectations will, no doubt be high. Of interest to me is how the senior teams will be changed over the coming weeks. New top-guns almost certainly means change and invariably, new personnel too.

Striking the balance between installing new talent and retaining those already demonstrating talent is a fine line. Either way, we the public can look forward to revised service propositions over the coming months.

I wonder whether both will be afforded comparable periods of grace before the results come through?
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