The Beckett Blog

Story copyright 2009 Beckett Media

Peter Warsop, Panini’s Group Licensing Director, answered these questions from Beckett Media Publisher Tracy Hackler in the wake of the company finalizing its deal to acquire Arlington, Texas-based Donruss on Friday morning.

Beckett Media: Ultimately, what were some of the most important factors that led Panini to make the acquisition?

Peter Warsop: For Panini this was not a difficult decision at all as it became a natural fit for all concerned. From the very first meeting we had with Donruss Playoff LP, it has taken Panini less than six weeks to make its evaluations and complete the final transaction of acquiring the sports trading card business from them.

We have always understood the fine reputation and strengths of Donruss and this aspect of our knowledge needed no prompting. Importantly, we have had reciprocal visits between the two head offices; Donruss representations came to Modena, Italy, and eight Panini head office directors visited Donruss in Arlington over a four-day period. All this was to satisfy both sides that a Panini acquisition would work well not just for Panini and Donruss, but for all parties, including licensing principals, suppliers, the hobby, the consumers and, not least, the staff and management of Donruss. The outcome to this mutual assessment was overwhelmingly positive.

(more…)