The week that was

Interesting week it was.
Vodafone is facing some issues, like any other listed company at the moment – investor activism. Depending on who you listen it might be or might not be something. A group calling itself ‘Effective Capital Structures’ (ECF) wants to see changes – perfectly ok since they hold just over 200,000 shares out of Vodafone’s 52.9 billion shares.

The timing is suspect and the leader of the rebel group is none other than an individual who was implicated in the Marconi saga – as a former FD of Marconi he oversaw the spending spree that took the company into near bankruptcy. Maybe he learnt some lessons in the process and wishes to share with Vodafone’s board!
Vodafone’s reaction was swift when the news broke out – 1st cancelled a scheduled meeting between the CEO and the group of rebels, he was on an investors road show (ok?). Now even leading investors are planning to vote against the radical changes.

One thing is for sure ECS lacks the credibility to advise Vodafone on capital restructuring – a hard lesson for John Mayo. He had a chance to show the way, he failed so basically the reaction has been you cannot lecture us.

The point here is activism is slowly but surely creeping even among the leading companies – it was inconceivable for anyone to imagine he could single handed confront conglomerates. I notice that I did not make an effort to watch England v. Estonia. I understand Beckham saved McLaren's job! Against Estonia? What is the world of soccer turning to? Shouldn't it be a foregone conclusion that England will beat a BIG team like Estonia? It's not a good sight for a man to appear desperate - pathetic. Otherwise what would you describe a team that has all the big earner's yet they are this desperate? People are looking for anything to cling on. I've been there - or could I be described as still at that stage!

Anyway it looks like a lovely weekend on my hands. I hope others too are experiencing a refreshing weekend. Is Miss Hilton in jail or has she been pardoned? She has made a career out of being dumb (not my words - I don't about people behind there backs!!!) I'm happy for her. And the nonsense all over again in the Big Brother one contestant has been chucked out for using the N word - please if anyone has any more infor on these trivialities do not share, they might just spoil my weekend.

Have a nice one.

Who’s next GSK? Assuming Vodafone has weathered the storm – bring it on!

It must be age.
I used to enjoy football – I still do but I suspect that first love (the sparks) seem to have faded. Maybe it’s just that I need find out what fascinated me most about it. I mean I find myself watching strange sports like international cricket, tennis