Cut the crap, people. Mattel's problems are much deeper and more firmly entrenched than just a few at the top. I suspect the best use of Stockton's "deep institutional knowledge" and the only reason to bring him back (or for him to want to come back) is to broker a deal which would sweeten everyone's stock holdings. The only question now is whether it's Lego (Stockton probably was in on the discussions when Lego wanted Mattel to buy them) or Bain Capital or some other PE. Which would you prefer?
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LEGO is not buying mattel. LEGO's margins are like 80% on making bricks, why would they bother with any material? They can enter in any segment via bricks - girls market? The new friends line. They don't need traditional dolls to do it. Mattel's main issue is that valuable brand values are not being fully utilized. Unlike say, RadioShack which has a diminished value of the brand (and/or Tandy) so no one is that interested. mattel has a handful of A+ brands and another handful of A value brands so if mattel's market cap drops another $5 billion - which migt happen with a big dvidend drop, then it's "free" and easy pickings. Hasbro would pay $4-5 B for Hot Wheels & matchbox alone.
Lego for sure. Bain will kill all the businesses. If you care to recollect, it was Bain who initiated "PROPEL" which killed a lot of the FP businesses in the first place. They are a bunch of Ivy League 'kids' who think they know better because of their Ivy League education and entitlements.
And let's face it. The only reason Stockton was brought back was to fulfill his golden parachute contract. Happens all the time with execs at the top. You will never see him set foot on the property. It's a 'consultant' in name only.
Bain