Best Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bid

Best Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bidBest Buy founder Richard Schulze may have stepped down as chairman of the board, but he’s certainly not out. His plan to buy the turbulent company has reached the next step — an agreement which pre-empts the formal offer. Schulze now has access to all the private numbers he’ll need to put together an investor group within the 60-day timeframe. And, if this round is unsuccessful, it’ll be next January before another bid can go to the Board of Directors, followed by direct shareholder offers if the second attempt fails. Given that Schulze owns 20 percent of Best Buy, he gets two seats-worth of voting power as long as he sticks to the agreed process. So, with a new CEO taking the reigns in September and the acquisition machinery in top gear, is there fresh hope for the big box retailer?

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Best Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bid originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy founder wants slashed prices, Apple-style customer service in $10 billion rescue plan

Best Buy founder wants slashed prices, Applestyle customer service in $10 billion rescue plan

Best Buy founder Richard Schulze is proposing a plan to turn around the ailing electronics store as part of a $10 billion buyout. He’s proposing the retailer slashes prices to compete with online rivals like Amazon, while offering Apple Store-levels of customer service. He’s concerned that the current closure and size-reduction policy will spell the end of the business, which is rumored to announce another round of closures shortly. It’s yet to be seen if his plan, which would mean running Best Buy at a loss for several years, would be accepted by the company’s management, who are meeting to discuss the proposals at the end of the month.

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Best Buy founder wants slashed prices, Apple-style customer service in $10 billion rescue plan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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