I got an odd call today which reminded me of an odder conversation last week.
Last week, an ex-employee in my day job called by and told us that the CEO one of our partner/competitors was swanning around one of thir clients telling them how he was going to buy us (my day job company). Odd chap I thought and then I mused out loud at how much I’d let it go for. It gave me a little laugh, a bit of gallows humour and a brief thought about exit strategies for companies and entrepreneurs. And I did wonder what I’d do with my half 🙂
This week, one of our customers was informed through the grapevine that they had just been bought out by another company. Of course it wasn’t true. We think.
It made me wonder how much of the rumour scuttlebutt was part of the exit strategy of companies that were built to flip (and be bought out). It wouldn’t seem to be prudent to try and manipulate the market with something as simple as spreading rumours.
Aidan and I have discussed our exit strategy. At this point, just because I’m idealistic – mine is likely to be retirement or death. I can afford to be philosophica about it after a rough day today and possibly a rough evening ahead. Wish me luck!