Leccia to join General Cigars
- Thread starter problemsolverjc
- Start date
Agreed. I think we are going to see a lot more of this as the FDA comes to its final actions. General seems to be buying up "premium" cigars and boutique manufactures to ensure a stable of brands that can compete in the new marketplace. I also think a lot of the smaller brands feel they are going to have a hard time financially if they have to pay for all of this regulation.
This is just the beginning of consolidation I'm afraid....
Well said.
indyrob
BoM Feb '06 & Sept. '08
Think of every cool band that signed with a major label when you read this again.
Not saying its good for Sam or the cigars. Just General Cigar.
Stogie_Bear
Chulo Savage
Oh man, not happy about this at all. Unfortunately, you're right Jim. This is only the beginning...
Stogie_Bear
Chulo Savage
Although, I suppose I could be an optimist and think that Leccia will revamp the blending and construction within General and thrive as a leader there.... while the pessimist in me is watching yet another good brand get chewed up by General.
Lets be honest, General needs help rebuilding their entire portfolio. They have Rick Rodriguez doing CAO and Giannini doing LGC. They appear to be continuing that trend at bringing "industry stars" in to help them rebuild. Smart on their part.
Stogie_Bear
Chulo Savage
Agreed. There is a silver lining to this IF General allows their newly acquired industry leaders to hold on to some creative freedom while reallocating some of their existing resources into supporting roles to create some space in the "control room." Unfortunately, this means being the "bad guy" internally, which a lot of companies are prone to avoiding to save face.
Just my thoughts...
Ill be interested in the press release when it comes out, but General usually doesn't partner up, instead they buyout.
That's honestly what I take from this. General needs a huge overhaul, not just in branding but also in personnel. Sam seems like the kind of guy who can energize their sales force and get consumers excited for General's portfolio.
Cigary43
Just Another Ashhole
Depends on the contract between these two....Sam already has a good brand but General has the clout. If Sam was smart to have his lawyers draw up a contract that protects him then it's a good thing. I've yet to see any big Company that didn't dictate policy or have an escape clause that puts them in the front seat....they didn't get there playing fair.
Stogie_Bear
Chulo Savage
Unfortunately, I agree... see it all too often.
I'd be interested to see GC's contingency plan for what they think will happen when the embargo gets lifted. I'd bet that acquiring strong brands that don't use Cuban brand names like Torano is part of the strategy. Could be messy for them.
I'd also be curious to know what Sam's non-compete clause looks like this time.
I'd also be curious to know what Sam's non-compete clause looks like this time.
indyrob
BoM Feb '06 & Sept. '08
I would too. I know it's always been in the "what if HAHAHAHAHA" category but it's probably going to happen within the near future. GC's attempts at being edgy remind me of a major Budweiser brewery trying to be like 3Floyds or Stone.