Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I just found out Fender is going to go public on the NASDAQ with an initial public offering. They are planning to raise $200M to cover some debt incurred during the economic downturn.

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/20 ... -portfolio

From a player's perspective, I have mixed feelings about this. The way I see it, the pros are it could be a financial windfall for Fender which would mean big growth and more products possibly at cheaper prices. Also Fender will be inclined to release more detailed sales and production figures (could be some pretty cool annual reports!).

The con is that Fender will now be answering to shareholders and will have to demonstrate they're lean and mean without any waste, which could potentially mean quality could take a hit. Accountants don't really care what kind of metal a bridge is made of etc.

Im definitely going to put some in my portfolio, I just hope this doesnt backfire for Fender. Perhaps Im worrying too much, it was a great move for Harley Davidson, another loved and storied American brand.

Thoughts?

Don't care, got all the guitars and amps I'll ever need.
Everyone else, buy now!

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No no and no

Pre- IPO Stratocasters, the new collectible!

If you have money to flush, why not buy into the overseas bond market?

I hear Greek muni's are hot.



Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

TobiJ, yes there was a thread or 2 about the change for Fender but no reason to be sorry.
I sort of was glad that you brought it up again as I'm always wondering what people are thinking when relinquishing control of their businesses to strangers that may or may not have a soul let alone a heart.
We don't know what caused the people who made the decision to go public. If they grew tired of the responsibility of running the company, wanted capitol for expansion or were forced into it by creditors.
My only concern is how well thought out the decision was. I haven't seen public apathy and selfishness displayed so overtly ever before in my adult life as it is now and the consequences of not considering all options can be devastating for employees from top to bottom, vendors/suppliers, customers/clients, or, it could be the best possible decision a company ever made.
I'll have to rely on every one else for information though because I won't be watching what ever develops very closely. I grew up with Fender as my favorite guitar brand and if these geniuses mess this up it will disappoint pretty much everybody I know or have ever known in the music world.The bottom line is, since I don't own any shares in the company, it is none of my business. I wish them good luck though.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Does anyone know the actual date of the IPO, please?

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La vie est belle, le monde est pourri, make the most of it!