Panini buying UD ?

[JVW]

I don't see how this would be a benefit to the hobby. We've seen already what happens when one company buys out another and continues to run their lines.

I like Panini a lot, but you need two independent and functional licensed producers in the hockey market to have innovation, competition, and a drive for continuous improvement. Having Panini as the sole provider of content using the Upper Deck brand for distribution doesn't qualify.

Hopefully there isn't anything to this.

But doesn't UD have an exclusive market for hockey for how many years? Having two companies isn't possible until when?
Personally, I liked the Panini products better than UD. Right now the only UD product I am thinking of buying this year is OPC Platinum which probably never would have been made if Panini had not created Prizm.

[RGM81]

^ Yes.

[sensarmy73]

I would be so happy all the new UD has been crap but that is my opinion so no bashing thanks

[AlexTheGr8]

I just spoke with a UD rep and he assured me the rumors are 100% false. Both companies have never had any negotiations and do not plan on doing so anytime soon.

[Cunnuc]

Years ago I sold some Upper Deck Series 1 cards over eBay to someone in my small town, so I had him stop by instead. He said he had been collecting Upper Deck continuously for 20 years and was going to quit but now that Winnepeg Jets were back he had to give it at least one more year.

You would think Panini buying Upper Deck would be devastating to those who collect Upper Deck S1/S2, SP Authentic, The Cup year after year.

I wasn't happy that Panini lost their license but I wouldn't be happy if Panini bought out Upper Deck either. I would give Panini products a slight edge over Upper Deck over the last 4 years but thats mainly because I feel Upper Deck pumps out the same crap year after year which is why 75% of my purchases (boxes) are ITG.

I am excited for UD Masterpieces though and OPC platinum does look pretty enticing.

[giznig]

I have talked to people at Upper Deck and these rumors are absolutely untrue. Upper Deck would never sell to Panini. In fact, they will do everything they can to take the fight to Panini and keep them from ruining this hobby more than they already have.

Just sayin'...

[Cunnuc]

Well I don't believe it would happen either or at least not in the next 5 years. I however doubt for a second that anyone you talk to from Upper Deck has the slightest idea what happens behind closed doors. If they fiscally have to sell or merge than that's the way its going to be. Conglomerates and corporations make it so you only have one way out. I could talk to 50 people from Upper Deck and if all 50 of them said they would never let Panini buy them out in a million years I wouldn't believe any of them for a second.

Business is crude.

[Gibby]

Makes a lot of sense to me with the death of the founder and the company in trust.....

Does his wife want to own the company ?????

My guess is no so it is very much in play as much as I hope it does not happen I cannot see how it will not

Question Do you think the NHLPA is interested ??? ie a purchase by their pension fund ???

[jumpfame]

This is not true in any sense of the word, as I have a college friend who works for Upper Deck and he assured me last night that this story is totally bogus and just an unfounded rumor as Upper Deck would NEVER sell and is actually doing quite well with it's hockey line, et. I personally would love to see them expand as their products are really nice ...

[Chev-boyar-sky]

This is not true in any sense of the word, as I have a college friend who works for Upper Deck and he assured me last night that this story is totally bogus and just an unfounded rumor as Upper Deck would NEVER sell and is actually doing quite well with it's hockey line, et. I personally would love to see them expand as their products are really nice ...

No offense but unless he's high up management he probably doesn't have any idea what's going happening on the macro level of the business. All it takes in these things is an owner who's looking to sell, or share holders agreeing on a price they'd be happy to move their shares at, or a great offer from the buyer.

I knew people working at Canadian Targets who thought everything was fine and their jobs were relatively secure.....