I Have No More Competition

[Goaldeje]

Man. Kind of in a state of shock right now. Many of you know I work for Lifetouch, the largest portrait company in the world (we photograph 50%, literally, of the children in America every year); I work in the church division, and our largest competition is Olan Mills. It was announced at 10am this morning that Lifetouch has purchased Olan Mills, effective yesterday.

We have no more competition. There are some smaller companies with maybe 10-20% of the market share, but our two companies were pretty much dead even, and now they are with us.

It will be a difficult transition, for sure. And there is a lot that is unknown about how the new territories will work (smaller, larger?) and so on, and I will have to see how things will shake out. I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around this one. I was in Bluefield, WV when the announcement came through and drove around in a haze for a couple of hours before heading home.

Anyway, I know this is of little consequence to you, but it's a pretty big deal for me and I thought I'd share. If you have gone through a merger (on either side) and have any advice, I'd love to hear it.

 

[Goaldeje]

I'm not worried about my job, no. I'm good at what I do. . One of the better performers in a small market. Just want to make sure they don't cut my territory too much, that's all.

 

[Boone]

Hope it turns out to be nothing but good news for you Goal

In this economy, change is going to happen - it's everywhere and you just have to adapt.

 

[Nobody]

Hoping for the best for ya buddy. Hopefully they don't lay everyone off and go to crap for quality now.

 

[burgold]

Really never liked any company having that much control over its business. I wonder if the photo business has really been hurt by digital cameras and photoshop over the years? Clearly, developers are gone with the buggy whippers.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

Goal, sounds like you're in line for big things! Since your company is the one doing the taking over, and you're so good at what you do, hopefully this means you're going to be put in charge of MORE territory, not less. Anyway, that's what we'll all be hoping for!

 

[riggins44]

Goal, you sure the haze yesterday wasn't the thin air in Bluefield.

I have a question about your territory. Are you required to stay in your market area? Or are you expected to hit a certain market penetration number for your territory?

Just curious.

 

[Elephant]

Oh man! And I turned down a position just a few months ago with this company. Ugh! And my market would have been larger than your's wouldn't it Goal? Thanks again btw!

Meh, you'll be fine Goal, just as long as my former employer doesn't decide to get into the Church Division.

 

[Neophyte]

It is an odd situation to be in for sure. I went through something similar in 2000 when my company was purchased by a large competitor. In fact, it was about the opposite of your situation where #1 bought us out although when it was all said and done the joke was that we bought them with their money.

Eleven years later there are 3 of us left of my old company.

It was really weird for a while though. Suddenly I worked for the enemy and we were all supposed to make nice and have beer together. It took a while to shake out and get used to it. I sometimes still wear a shirt from that old start up company while visiting corporate just to remind folks of my roots.

It will all shake out though and while the paying public might suffer, you will likely come out ahead.

 

[Goaldeje]

Really never liked any company having that much control over its business. I wonder if the photo business has really been hurt by digital cameras and photoshop over the years? Clearly, developers are gone with the buggy whippers.

Yeah, I'm not all that crazy about it either right now. I think the two companies sharpened each other, and without that competition, not sure what will happen. Hopefully we still be innovative.

Goal, sounds like you're in line for big things! Since your company is the one doing the taking over, and you're so good at what you do, hopefully this means you're going to be put in charge of MORE territory, not less. Anyway, that's what we'll all be hoping for!

God bless that would be nice. More territory, more market share? Someone pinch me!

Goal, you sure the haze yesterday wasn't the thin air in Bluefield.

I have a question about your territory. Are you required to stay in your market area? Or are you expected to hit a certain market penetration number for your territory?

Just curious.

I am not required to stay in the Valley, I could move to an open area if I wanted to, which I suppose might be an option. I will just have to see how it plays out. We will now be looking at a close to 80% market share between the two companies, so wherever I end up, it should be pretty easy selling, really.

Oh man! And I turned down a position just a few months ago with this company. Ugh! And my market would have been larger than your's wouldn't it Goal? Thanks again btw!

Meh, you'll be fine Goal, just as long as my former employer doesn't decide to get into the Church Division.

Heh. I actually thought about you right after the announcement. Yeah, the MD territory is pretty big, I'm sure. Not that it matters now without any real competition.