RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:What about sales?Yes, I wasn't around SH at the time, but I know the story quite well as an institutional investor:
- When 3M first approached TSO3, we were pivoting from the old, single steriant 125L into a dual sterilant technology. We were running low in cash, and we had only done some preliminary tests with the new system
- 3M US group signed a GLOBAL distribution deal with TSO3, with every effort to push VP4 in the US. This partnership brought in some much needed cash, as well as validation of our technology. This is why RR was so excited
- Since it was the US group that signed the deal, rest-of-world 3M is waiting for a US launch before marketing the product themselves ex-US, despite VP4 having a CE marked already
- Unfortunately, TSO3 had a very tough time getting US approval, with FDA changing the goal posts on us a couple of times (510k vs. brand new filing)
- With limited visibility on a US approval, 3M "lost interest" but still very much interested in the technology. Once again our cash is running low again, and 3M wanted to buy us cents-for-the-dollar post bankruptcy
- Within the contract, there was a reciprocal clause that either party can walk away from the agreement if FDA approval was not garnered within 2yrs. By that time, Getinge has already made initial "approach" with TSO3
- As a result of all the above, RR decided to walk from 3M (a bitter battle), and the rest is history
I can confirm most of the story from talking to both sides (3M and TSO3), except for the "waiting for bankruptcy" portion...
Just like the Getinge deal, the 3M deal looked very good initially, as it brought in things that were badly needed at the time:
- 3M validated our unproven technology
- Getinge got a recently approved, but "untested" system into some key accounts
- Both came with some cash that were badly needed at the time
Can you fault RR of being optimistic when these deals were signed? Investors liked it also, as reflected in the stock price.
CEOs signed partnerships because they think these deals can help the company's development and business, not purely as a facade to pump the stock, and RR is no exception. He was geniunely excited.
Yes, he sold stock close to the highs, around his new marriage. One could easily argue he would have sold regardless of the price due to personal situation. RR also "sold" at dirt cheap prices during his divorce earlier as well, but the bashers don't talk about that. Others like GK didn't sell a single share...you think he wouldn't sell if this is all a pump-n-dump scheme?
Obviously things didn't work out for either of these deals: 3M didn't get its US approval, and Getinge was too disorganized (and didn't put enough resources) to sell. Does that mean RR is a crook who is out ot cheat investors?
I know what some of you (Aimee, Blu, Rots, etc.) will say...but how about the rest of SH? At the end, it is your hard-earned dollar at stake, so everyone should make up their own mind.
And for those who really think RR is a crook, where do you still hold the stock? What are you thinking?
Food for thought...