Us Merger Speculation Ramping Up Internally
Apr 18, 2005, 5:17 pm
#1
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Us Merger Speculation Ramping Up Internally
Folks --
I hesitate to post this here, b/c I know I'll get flamed for not providing specifics, but hear me out first. Many of you know me as a long time poster who steers clear of the ugly stuff. That said, I hope you'll afford me some credit with the below posting and not blast me for adding only more rumor ......
I once worked for PI (Piedmont Airlines for those of you who don't get it) until about 16 years ago. It has pained me to see that great company and all the hard work that we poured into it go the way it has in the past 5 years. Although the vast bulk of my contacts and good friends there have since retired or quit, I still have a few close contacts who have worked their way up the food chain to fairly significant internal positions.
I spoke with my closest old friend there this afternoon and he told me that the word is HOT right now at senior US management (of which he is a member) that an impending merger is about to be announced involving the airline. If he knew more, he did not let on. Nevertheless, he nearly guaranteed me it would make news as early as a "few days away." I told him that word on FT had been speculation about America West -- he didn't comment.
So, I pass that along as a very real bit of info for you all to chew on. He's a straight shooter and so am I.
Additionally, should some legit merger ultimately take place -- it would essentially save this otherwise hopeless carrier from itself. 'Twill be most interesting to watch unfold .........
I hesitate to post this here, b/c I know I'll get flamed for not providing specifics, but hear me out first. Many of you know me as a long time poster who steers clear of the ugly stuff. That said, I hope you'll afford me some credit with the below posting and not blast me for adding only more rumor ......
I once worked for PI (Piedmont Airlines for those of you who don't get it) until about 16 years ago. It has pained me to see that great company and all the hard work that we poured into it go the way it has in the past 5 years. Although the vast bulk of my contacts and good friends there have since retired or quit, I still have a few close contacts who have worked their way up the food chain to fairly significant internal positions.
I spoke with my closest old friend there this afternoon and he told me that the word is HOT right now at senior US management (of which he is a member) that an impending merger is about to be announced involving the airline. If he knew more, he did not let on. Nevertheless, he nearly guaranteed me it would make news as early as a "few days away." I told him that word on FT had been speculation about America West -- he didn't comment.
So, I pass that along as a very real bit of info for you all to chew on. He's a straight shooter and so am I.
Additionally, should some legit merger ultimately take place -- it would essentially save this otherwise hopeless carrier from itself. 'Twill be most interesting to watch unfold .........
Apr 18, 2005, 5:23 pm
#2
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As much I really would like to believe you, I really doubt that anyone in senior management of a major corporation would leak inside information like that. Even US, I would think, trains its senior staff on the various SEC rules...
All you need is for the SEC to subpeona you, and your friend is toast. Assuming, of course, that there is a merger in the works.
All you need is for the SEC to subpeona you, and your friend is toast. Assuming, of course, that there is a merger in the works.
Apr 18, 2005, 5:40 pm
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Originally Posted by haveric
As much I really would like to believe you, I really doubt that anyone in senior management of a major corporation would leak inside information like that. Even US, I would think, trains its senior staff on the various SEC rules...
All you need is for the SEC to subpeona you, and your friend is toast. Assuming, of course, that there is a merger in the works.
All you need is for the SEC to subpeona you, and your friend is toast. Assuming, of course, that there is a merger in the works.
As for the merger...I'm anixous but maybe a little excited. Don't know what an HP merger would do but it could actually improve service, esp. FC. While HP isn't known for surf and turf up front - they server stuff that's a hell of a lot better than IFC and comes in real glasses (I believe - correct me if I'm wrong). Only thing I hope is that any merger would keep US in the *A. I think if it's HP, they would. If it's UA, obviously. If it's AS, possibly. And if it's someone real random, then who knows.
Apr 18, 2005, 5:53 pm
#6
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Knew this would happen.
Now wishing I hadn't posting anything...... 
I did NOT say that anything was leaked and certainly no facts. I have no idea if any of this is going to happen and neither does my contact. He does NOT sit on the Board, for heaven's sake. But he's in a position to be very close to the action. Enough said.
What my point was is that there is significant BUZZ in their corporate environs that is feeding the flame of their own serious speculation about a merger around the corner.
I do not know the source of his info. It may be nothing more than a host of admin assistants reporting that their bosses have been tied up in closed door meetings for the past week and not taking calls, etc, etc. I have no idea.
Case closed. This came as exciting news to me. We'll all see what transpires in the days ahead. Quite possibly nothing.
I did NOT say that anything was leaked and certainly no facts. I have no idea if any of this is going to happen and neither does my contact. He does NOT sit on the Board, for heaven's sake. But he's in a position to be very close to the action. Enough said.
What my point was is that there is significant BUZZ in their corporate environs that is feeding the flame of their own serious speculation about a merger around the corner.
I do not know the source of his info. It may be nothing more than a host of admin assistants reporting that their bosses have been tied up in closed door meetings for the past week and not taking calls, etc, etc. I have no idea.
Case closed. This came as exciting news to me. We'll all see what transpires in the days ahead. Quite possibly nothing.
Apr 18, 2005, 6:02 pm
#7
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give him a break
Come on folks, cut sbtinme some slack. He was purposely very vague, and had a clear disclaimer to take everyone said with a grain of salt.
His contact didn't break any SEC regulations by telling a friend of a corporate rumor that is so widespread that we VERY third parties have been talking about it for weeks.
I, for one, appreciate the tidbit and am eager to see what unfolds.
I'm off to ART tonight.
His contact didn't break any SEC regulations by telling a friend of a corporate rumor that is so widespread that we VERY third parties have been talking about it for weeks.
I, for one, appreciate the tidbit and am eager to see what unfolds.
I'm off to ART tonight.
Apr 18, 2005, 6:27 pm
#9
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This is getting interesting.
Thanks for posting this. I'm wondering if anyone has spotted HP's CEO in CLT or US' CEO in PHX?
Loosen up. Reread his post. There were no specifics mentioned. No SEC violations.
Originally Posted by haveric
As much I really would like to believe you, I really doubt that anyone in senior management of a major corporation would leak inside information like that. Even US, I would think, trains its senior staff on the various SEC rules...
All you need is for the SEC to subpeona you, and your friend is toast. Assuming, of course, that there is a merger in the works.
All you need is for the SEC to subpeona you, and your friend is toast. Assuming, of course, that there is a merger in the works.
Loosen up. Reread his post. There were no specifics mentioned. No SEC violations.
Apr 18, 2005, 6:39 pm
#10
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Other than visiting our fair city, if CEOs were exchanging visits - there'd be no need for HP's CEO to visit us in CLT, considering that corporate HQ is in good ol' Arlington, VA. But if he wants to visit and contribute to the local economy - more power to him.
Apr 18, 2005, 6:41 pm
#11
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If the ATSB allows HP to swallow US (particularly in light of the fact that America West has an ATSB loan), all taxpayers everywhere should scream.
America West and US have both coasts covered. They have nothing in the middle. This stellar combination, for those of you with long memories, is a large part of the reason why the PSA/US merger failed.
The other issue is this: United is not going to stand by and let HP into Star. They directly compete in all sorts of ways out west.
America West and US have both coasts covered. They have nothing in the middle. This stellar combination, for those of you with long memories, is a large part of the reason why the PSA/US merger failed.
The other issue is this: United is not going to stand by and let HP into Star. They directly compete in all sorts of ways out west.
Apr 18, 2005, 7:16 pm
#12
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Well....
If the ATSB allows HP to swallow US (particularly in light of the fact that America West has an ATSB loan), all taxpayers everywhere should scream.
The other issue is this: United is not going to stand by and let HP into Star.
They directly compete in all sorts of ways out west.
Apr 18, 2005, 7:33 pm
#13
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Originally Posted by sbtinme
Now wishing I hadn't posting anything......
I did NOT say that anything was leaked and certainly no facts. I have no idea if any of this is going to happen and neither does my contact. He does NOT sit on the Board, for heaven's sake. But he's in a position to be very close to the action. Enough said.
What my point was is that there is significant BUZZ in their corporate environs that is feeding the flame of their own serious speculation about a merger around the corner.
I do not know the source of his info. It may be nothing more than a host of admin assistants reporting that their bosses have been tied up in closed door meetings for the past week and not taking calls, etc, etc. I have no idea.
Case closed. This came as exciting news to me. We'll all see what transpires in the days ahead. Quite possibly nothing.
I did NOT say that anything was leaked and certainly no facts. I have no idea if any of this is going to happen and neither does my contact. He does NOT sit on the Board, for heaven's sake. But he's in a position to be very close to the action. Enough said.
What my point was is that there is significant BUZZ in their corporate environs that is feeding the flame of their own serious speculation about a merger around the corner.
I do not know the source of his info. It may be nothing more than a host of admin assistants reporting that their bosses have been tied up in closed door meetings for the past week and not taking calls, etc, etc. I have no idea.
Case closed. This came as exciting news to me. We'll all see what transpires in the days ahead. Quite possibly nothing.
Apr 18, 2005, 8:18 pm
#14
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Now it'd be funny if some airline NOBODY is thinking of acquires a portion/merges with of US Airways...say, like Frontier! (Sure the odds are 1 in 10,000, but then again, the odds of a merger are pretty slim too.) It's fun to speculate! Thanks for all your opinions too- makes internet fun.
Apr 18, 2005, 8:32 pm
#15
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There was an article on Yahoo finance on Friday that discussed America West and others:
"The airline industry is abuzz with talk that bankrupt US Airways Group Inc., in search of funding needed to complete its reorganization, is in talks with America West Holdings Corp. for financing that could speed the pace of consolidation in the domestic airline sector."
http://biz.yahoo.com/deal/050415/usa...cash.html?.v=2
"The airline industry is abuzz with talk that bankrupt US Airways Group Inc., in search of funding needed to complete its reorganization, is in talks with America West Holdings Corp. for financing that could speed the pace of consolidation in the domestic airline sector."
http://biz.yahoo.com/deal/050415/usa...cash.html?.v=2