On 2006-10-20 19:24:51 +0100, "Brian Sharrock" said:


"Andy Hall" wrote in message ...
On 2006-10-20 15:15:22 +0100, "HLAH" said:



Interestingly MFI/Howden's are allegedly shifting production to Eastern
Europe, I wonder how that will affect things.


Should help margins if nothing else. Of itself that may have a
positive effect assuming competent management. An assumption though.


Knowing nothing more than has been reported in The Telegraph ; 0
AIUI; the group has been acquired by 'investors', For the group they
paid a nominal £1 - but fed in £54M (?) to service debts, salaries etc
.... The Group Pension Fund has been underwritten by the new owners.
Howdens is the manufacturer of the kitchens sold in MFI stores, albeit
it also 'sells' directly to the Trade. Howden's have a
contract/exclusive agreement to supply MFI for a period (six months?)
after which period .... ? Manufacture of MFI sold goods may be sourced
from places other than Howden's.

Not a pretty picture at all

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/mai.../22/umfi22.xml