K-Clark's tissues
Kimberly-Clark (K-C) the global personal hygiene brandmaker, reported continued declines in towels & tissues compared with Covid boosted Q2'20. CEO Mike Hsu commented on a disappointing market share loss that was only marginally ahead of the 'normal' Q2'19
Flexible Fulfilment
As Amazon wreaks havoc with traditional distribution channels, wholesalers face pressure to innovate with broader business supply categories; same day delivery & mobile webstore marketing. Dealers have been slow to respond causing wholesalers to deepen partnerships with vendors. We discuss progress with Essendant's president Harry Dochelli...Updated
HP fraudster
A UK court ruled yesterday that Mike Lynch could be sent to US to face 17 counts of criminal fraud over the $11Bn sale of Autonomy, the software developer, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. If found guilty, the billionaire could spend more than 20 years in prison. We revisit the history of the case...
GPC: Motion loses
Genuine Parts (GPC) the $18Bn parent of NAPA autocare, Motion industrial supplies (& ex-SPRichards) reported a recovering performance in Q2'21. CEO Paul Donahue commented on a stronger autocare market but did not comment on losing FM market share
Acme advance hit
Cutting tools and safety supplies maker Acme Unitedannounced strong Q2'21 financial results boosted by powerful sales of Westcott scissors & First Aid & Safety products. CEO Walter Johnsen reports on its continued market share gains
Unilever leaner,
Unilever, the $50Bn+ hygiene, personal care, food & refreshments giant reported resilient financials during Covid hit Q1'21 WFHome CEO Alan Jape commented on progress of his key initiatives in nutrition and personal care brands
UPM print paper
UPM Kymmene the world’s #3 papermaker, reported recovering results with sinking printer paper demand offset by new developing product categories. "Strong Biorefining demand drive our transformation from weaker paper demand" commented ceo Jussi Pesonen
StoraEnso pivots
Top packaging-papermaker Stora Enso reported strong packaging revenues in Q1'21. New CEO Annica Bresky confirmed plans to cut huge printer paper capacity and invest in renewable packaging materials for the growing food and hygiene markets
Coke growth
Coca-Cola 'Away from Home' (business supply inc.restaurants) market collapsed through Covid. CEO James Quincey reported a powerful recovery in Q2'21 and details of the new 'Touchless' environment that is driving innovation in drinks delivery
Mega Merger
Over 50 megadeals have been agreed year to date matching the number in all of 2020 and that pace is likely to continue, according to M&A experts. Merger volume is expected to keep record pace in 2nd half of year. We review the M&A activity in the business supplies market and speculate on those in the pipeline.... Updated again today
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