Going Public - Buzzle

It is May in the year 2000. In a secret meeting, the owners of seven Apple computer dealerships from all over Australia have gathered to hear about an ambitious scheme. Instead of cutting each others' throats in price wars, they could merge their corner stores and make each other rich. Almost overnight they would create a 200 million dollar corporation, which could then be floated on the Australian Stock Exchange. The feeling of excitement is hard to contain - the combined business might raise 100 million on the stock market - more than these people ever dreamt possible. For Barbara Kloester though there is only a feeling of repulsion - to her husband and partner, Robert, there is the fear of being left out. They decide to continue.

Just a month after their first secret meeting, the owners of seven Apple Computer dealerships launch their bold plan to merge their companies and list on the stock exchange to a stunned workforce. "if you could see how a bunch of competitors have now become colleagues and friends. I think you'd be amazed.". The reality is somewhat different.

The prospective partners are regrouping just days after facing two potential deal breakers. One of the businesses has walked, much to the relief of most of the others. Scott, the shopkeeper with the multi-million dollar debt, has managed to sell his business to a new investor. He will even have a job when the companies merge. The deal is back on track.

It's January 2001. CEO Thomas Qureshi sits alone at Buzzle headquarters on a Sunday. He's working overtime to turn the fledgling company around. Some serious belt tightening is about to happen. Of course many staff have left of their own accord. Scott Thompson will soon be one of them. Scott sold his debt-laden company before the merger, and he's been employed at Buzzle as the director of retail sales. He's noticed Apple executives have been camped at head office for a week. Things are looking serious. He's decided to jump before the whole thing goes under.