chunk or chairs

[charlie]

So as we're all obviously watchin matey's (gerry) big decision on channel 4- quick guess on who is he going to back . . . if any?

chunk pastry's or the chair manufacturer?

[charlie]

chunk for me - cant see them making chairs cheaper and than the far east

[DB]

Chunk for me charlie, seems a good deal, 51% of guys business

[mojoco]

Gerry got 51% of one company and 60% of the other one, seems he like got a great deal!

[nick279]

I really liked the chair company - stunning products. Once they get a sales driven MD in they'll be back in business.

If you watch some of the Canadian's dragon den on youtube you'll regularly see people demanding 51% equity as they nearly always take control of the companies. The UK based dragons den seem reluctant to go over 50% - one guy offered $300k for 100% but he walked away

[charlie]

yeah it wasnt that apparent in the last couple of programs how much gerry was sucking up.

I know the people running the business dont really have a choice if they want to keep going but it also seems Gerry instead of helping is making the most of the downturn and gathering a portfolio of companies, researched by channel4, for relatively cheap money. That is he's normally paying off the debt for his investment, not much in the way of extra capital?

am i been too cynical?

[charlie]

Originally Posted by nick279

If you watch some of the Canadian's dragon den on youtube you'll regularly see people demanding 51% equity as they nearly always take control of the companies. The UK based dragons den seem reluctant to go over 50%

there's a question then - if you are investing in the PEOPLE as they normally imply on the UK dragons den and gerrys program, is taking away controlling interest in the company a de-motivator?

[DB]

I actuly did a nights security at that chair plant about 7 years ago, massive place..

[ratboy]

Sean YOU a security guard? Puff of wind would knock you out!!!!

[gregfindley]

Originally Posted by charlie

there's a question then - if you are investing in the PEOPLE as they normally imply on the UK dragons den and gerrys program, is taking away controlling interest in the company a de-motivator?

I think when the companies are at that point, knowing they have been on Channel 4 and have the investment from a successful investor they will be re-motivated as they can once again believe the business will be a success, something they haven't been able to do for some time!

The guy at the chair company looked like he had already lost interest by bringing in a manager to run the business - I thought his pitch to House of Fraser was pretty poor tbh! When they asked why they had used faux leather and he just said because it looks the same, surely they could say the same thing about veneer wood over solid oak!