bengt
New Member
Posts: 25
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Post by bengt on Nov 20, 2015 6:08:54 GMT -5
Will it have any affect on the metabo mafell relationship ?
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Post by GhostFist on Nov 20, 2015 7:17:40 GMT -5
Just have to wait and see
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Nov 20, 2015 8:19:42 GMT -5
No idea my guess is that current contracts will run thier course
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Post by GhostFist on Nov 20, 2015 9:36:01 GMT -5
It's not as if mafell is overly invested in the battery platform. The kss 40 is the only purpose built mafell tool using the platform
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Post by jonathan on Nov 21, 2015 8:47:42 GMT -5
I did not see that one coming
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Post by madeinthenorth on Nov 23, 2015 4:28:51 GMT -5
It had better not. Ive just swapped all my gear over to mafell/metabo from milwaukee.
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Post by henrun on Mar 5, 2017 7:26:01 GMT -5
I have also switched over to Mafell/Metabo. I am not too worried - I think the take over will not affect Metabo negatively that much, if at all. Hitachi seems to want to run it as it is and transfer technology between the companies and markets which is mostly good for Hitachi. Hitachi has a few really nice tools though so I am hoping that there will be a few new tool cross-overs. If they really went for it they could really get some nice things going in either direction. Hitachi triple hammer impact drill and 18V nail guns seem good. Hitachi drills usually have really nice grips too. Metabo needs a new refreshed impact drill and it has been long overdue (not talking about the impact wrench which is fenomenal). If Metabo cloned/licensed the Hitachi triple hammer impact I would get it straight away. It would probably take a while before we see any real benefits from the merger in new products but it would be stupid if they didn't. At the worst Hitachi will reap all the benefits but I am sure Metabo will keep developing tools on their own and according to recent trade fairs Metabo seem to keep ticking on just fine and bringing new stuff to the market. I am usually a sceptic but I am not too worried about the merger.
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Post by henrun on Mar 5, 2017 7:32:02 GMT -5
It's not as if mafell is overly invested in the battery platform. The kss 40 is the only purpose built mafell tool using the platform Yes, true that but if they are to develop their 18V line further it would be a little awkward to deviate from the platform. Especially given that the Metabo LiHD batteries are pretty good stuff and that professionals get the option of investing in a larger Metabo platform as well. I would like to see Mafell offer the 3.1LiHD batteries for the drills to cut weight. Well, I would like to see a "universal 18V battery platform" so I could get whatever product I wanted and not have to buy another pair of batteries/chargers etc. But that's not going to happen. I am also sure that my feelings would not affect future decisions from Mafell.
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Post by henrun on Mar 5, 2017 7:33:46 GMT -5
Hah! I just realized this thread is ooooold... It would be interesting to see what has happened between 2015 and now.
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Post by henrun on Mar 19, 2017 16:09:51 GMT -5
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Post by huntsgemein on Mar 26, 2017 16:56:19 GMT -5
KKR usually aren't long-term owners of the assets (companies) they acquire. They're a hedge fund, not a tool manufacturer. I suppose their analysts are well versed in identifying "vulnerable" firms for acquisition, for which substantial profits can be realised over the medium term by eventually privatising them by means of a public offer or sale to a 3rd party. I envisage that in a few years one or both companies will once again be in more benign hands. In the meantime anything is possible: asset stripping, factory closures, offshore assembly, product & marketing "realignment", or sale to a "hostile" 3rd. party are just some of the nightmare scenarios possible. I hope none come to fruition. How that augurs for the 2 tool companies remains to be seen, but ANY acquisition by a fund that really only has the maximisation of profit as its core raison d'etre does leave me a little apprehensive.
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Post by henrun on Mar 26, 2017 17:50:35 GMT -5
Yes, a hedge fund might not be the best promotor of acquired companies. The people behind it might not understand the market/target audience.
I have no idea where this is going - I am just concerned that any momentum Hitachi/Metabo had gained in the merger might ebb out into nothing or grind to a sudden halt. A bit concerned for Metabo as they are at the bottom end of the deal, having being bought by a company that then got bought and in such a short time.
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Post by GhostFist on Apr 2, 2017 8:36:54 GMT -5
Youch!
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Post by erik on Apr 2, 2017 8:51:17 GMT -5
I watched as Milwaukee went through transitions but they have come back strong, at least in the cordless arena. Hopefully Metabo retains its caliber-I'm a fan.
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