Personally, I think Time magazine "Lucky Gambler" headline does not quite do Sir James Goldsmith's business career justice. He was a formidable M&A specialist and was responsible for several staggering takeovers and turnarounds. However, having read all, there is know about Sir James... He probably would have loved it.
From narrowly avoiding bankruptcy to building the foundations of today's Mothercare and acquiring the Brovil brand. All while battling with Private Eye. (Let's face it If you aren't fighting Private Eye in the late 70s. Who even are you.)
Sir James Goldsmith operated a particular strategy of targetting, acquiring and grouping undervalued assets. Building, modernising and ultimately selling these groups at a profit. His interests spanned Wholesale foods, Publishing, Forestry & Timber, Clubs and Oil exploration, among the many.
He didn't get it all his way. Losing very high-profile takeover bids for Goodyear Tyres and British American Tabacco prompted his retirement from business—ultimately becoming an environmental and political campaigner. His book "The Trap" still holds today.
If you're interested he's fascinating business timeline can be read here: http://www.sirjamesgoldsmith.com/timeline/
M&A is not solely the reserve of flashy billionaire businessmen. Far from it. Most businesses can use some form of this strategy to grow via merger or acquisition.
If you want to know more about how your business can grow with M&A, our diary is always open for bookings, so please drop me a message, or schedule a call on the meeting link in the comments.
Demystifying M&A with accessible acquisition strategies, advice and action. We are Orb