Forum Archive Index - April 2000

["nick" <acummin@es.co.nz>]

      Time for the usual Montana takeover talk.

 This time however i suspect there is more substance to

it than usual.

      Lets consider the facts.

 A)  Montana has been busy this year offloading all the non

wine assets. The truck and travel buisnesses are both now gone, making

it more attractive as a purely wine takeover.

B)    The major obstacle up till now has been peter Masfens reluctance

   to sell his 20% stake for anything less than around 2.50.

       Whats changed now is that the general weakness in the stockmarket,

 plus a poorish wine harvest  means that he may well be tempted to part with

his stake for around 2.20-2.50.

C)     MONTANA is a very good growth company, well managed and set to

      increase profits year in year out. Increased plantings in recent years plus

the premium on its wine combined with a low dollar etc is all good news for the company.

      They are the market leaders in New Zealand and that isnt going to change.

          

          In my view fosters would be getting a bargain for anything less than 2.50 a share.

  I would be happy to recieve that per share but equally happy if montana stays as

it is

 

  nick