Alex and Jorge... FWIW...
Alex, ummmmm, it may have been LCOS playing a PR game, but
in one of their announcements (or an article) today they said that they were
not in contention for the NSCP relationship. I tend to believe
this is definitive.
As for the effect on SEEK if they DON'T GET the NSCP deal.
It kind've depends on what's being pushed out of the Press Release
pipeline at the same time. Sure, this would or could deflate
the stock price near term. But, remember, Motro said in the
earnings release or a subsequent article that SEEK is about to
announce the purchase of another online community--which will
be a boost to their overall eyeballs. Plus, he also said that
there are new advertising deals slated for announcement this
quarter.
Bottom line: if they haven't done the NSCP deal, it's gonna
sting. It HAS to... IMHO. NSCP is currently responsible for
generating about 20-25% of SEEK's traffic. (It is this very
reliance--though not as great as times past because of SEEK's
other dealings--that, IMHO, makes SEEK an IDEAL PARTNER for
NSCP. On the one hand, it can be perceived as leverage in
negotiations (NSCP's view, most likely.) On the other hand,
who best for NSCP do a deal with for a self-branded search engine
and equity participation: the very search engine who has
benefitted greatly from NSCP's "referrals," and whose stock
(when viewed in comparative terms) has a great deal of upside
left to it (taking the LONG view.)
Now, Jorge, as for your question... I'm gonna grab something
to eat. Then, I'll meet you on the mezzanine, okay?
Best Regards,
c m |
