NIRVC Presidents personal messege of the purchase

[Finance]

I don’t dispute any of his observations. Neither did I miss the statement about with whom his interests are aligned.

My takeaway from the recent discussions are that neither Winnebago or Newmar are up to par on public or community relations. It’s the LACK of communication by the principals to the stakeholders that created a vacuum.

Hasn’t anyone ever bothered to notice the engagement level of Newmar owners? Just glance at the persons online today; 229 on the Newmar forum and 39 on Winnebago at the time of this writing. And that’s not a recent phenomenon.

I’ve been in the thick of M&A projects of similar scope, and a priority issue was always the communication plan. I don’t see much evidence of that in this occurrence.

[turbopilot]

Originally Posted by Finance

I’ve been in the thick of M&A projects of similar scope, and a priority issue was always the communication plan. I don’t see much evidence of that in this occurrence.

I agree, like you I have been part of many M&A projects. I know very little about Winnebago. Very clearly the corporate DNA at Newmar has lacked several important "genes", including communication, product documentation and electrical system fit and finish of their products. It appears Winnebago may have much to offer in these areas.

Having watched Newmar for several years it is clear the senior management bench strength is lacking for the future. This deal makes sense to me. If I were the senior Miller I would do exactly the same thing.

[RickyR]

So WGO needs more dealers? For the price conscious buyer, putting a Newmar next to a Winnebago side by side, the Newmar will sell the Winnie for the salesman more than not.

[joes2901]

It appears that WBO in more in the conglomerate business than in the motorhome building business. It's current interest is owning high priced recreation/lifestyle companies which tend to cycle between fast and famine depending on consumer discretionary spending or not.

Why did they move the HQ from Foster City, Iowa (a nice place) to Minneapolis? Is looking at reports sent up the bureaucracy chain top management's goal versus walking to floor to see that goodness in rolling out of the factories. What is to to be the corporate culture, anything good enough that makes the most money. Will there be any striving for product excellence.

Toyota and Honda showed the incestuous Detroit auto industry that quality vehicles are more desirable that "good enough". If Toyota bought Newmar I would feel more positive about the possibility that even higher quality Newmars are in the near future.