I believe that two is precisely correct (number of brands remaining after the APG acquisition).
My personal opinion is that the loss of brands is 100% attributable to
1) Hills senior management's lack of understanding (at the time) of the AV business in which their own company (Hills SVL) and APG operated
2) intransigent adherence to a strategy that was fundamentally flawed and that alienated customers and suppliers (and staff!)
3) systems and processes that significantly hamstring the day to day operations of the business (then and now) - to the detriment of service provided to customers and suppliers.
I am told that the acquired company had a management philosophy that was summarised as 'Easy To Do Business With'.
I believe that the remaining Hills customers and suppliers would describe their experience of dealing with the company (Hills) as 'Hard To Do Business With'.
But that's just my opinion. As ever, you'll get the real story if you ask some customers or (former) suppliers!
HIL Price at posting:
19.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
