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Show Page 9 The Signpost Monday, March 7/2005 Hollywood video facing merger Hollywood Video is involved in a bidding war between Blockbuster and Movie Gallery, an East Coast video store chain. By KERRY'SCOTT correspondent | The Signpost On Jan. 10, Hollywood Video announced.a merger with Movie Gallery, an East Coast-operated videostore. Matt Limburg, store director for the Hollywood Video at 4335 Harrison Blvd., has worked at the store for a year. According to Limburg, Blockbuster has an interest in Hollywood Video. "If Blockbuster does pursue the merger, they will have to pay in addition to the actual bid between $25 (million) to $30 million to buy out Movie Gallery's options," Limburg said. According to a Jan. 13 news release, Blockbuster requested information from the Federal Trade Commission to see if the company is too large to make an offer to Hollywood Video. If Blockbuster is approved, it can then put another offer into Hollywood and try to outbid Movie Gallery. For the last year, Marc Waddles, former Hollywood Video CEO, has been trying to make Hollywood Video privately owned. However, before this could happen, Blockbuster and Movie Gallery entered the race. "Because the board of directors accepted Movie Gallery's bid, it shows that they are interested in other things and don't want to go private," Limburg said. Limburg only sees good things happening to Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video if they end up merging. Hollywood Video owns 1,900 stores, making it the second-largest video chain behind Blockbuster. If Movie Gallery merges with Hollywood, the combined operation will temprise 4,600 stores, " fringing them even closer to Blockbuster. Limburg said things would change dramatically if there were a Blockbuster/Hollywood merger. "There is a direct, brick-and-, mortar combat, where you have a Hollywood right across the street from Blockbuster," he said. If the merger between Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery goes through, it will be a win for both companies. Movie Gallery is primarily on the East Coast, and Hollywood Video is primarily on the West Coast. Customers wouldn't see any change with this merger. Limburg says that if there were a Hollywood Video/ Movie Gallery merger, both companies would go with the Hollywood name because it is more recognizable. Henry Demaris is a frequent customer of Hollywood Video. "1 come here (to Hollywood Video) because I don't like Blockbuster or their policies," Demaris said. "If they (Hollywood Video) merge with the other guys, then I will like that better." . Jonathan Rockwood, a construction management major at Weber State University, sees some advantage to a merger between Hollywood Video and Blockbuster. "I think it would be really cool, actually," Rockwood said. "That way, they are both the same; you don't have to worry about having two stupid memberships." Limburg hopes that things get done soon. "A long process of change can put a damper on things," Limburg said. "1 feel like we are in limbo, so, let's just hurry and resolve this quickly so we can move on whoever we are, whoever we become, and move on." countmuedfrom paged real-time marketing feedback for businesses and rewards for those who take the surveys. He advised students on the transition from student to entrepreneur. "It's really important to build a network/' Allred said. "Start small. Don't wait. Say you're a student, and ask someone if you can take them to lunch. Ask questions. Businessmen don't get requests like that often." It is also important for students to build credibility. Allred advised students to read. "Read voraciously," he said. "Good books are a good source of knowledge. Show you know in spite of your age." Chad Zaugg, WSU student, thinks the business competition will provide him with good experience. "I'm planning on starting a small business," he said. Nick Kenney, another student in attendance, wants to start an internet-based business. Matthew Peterson, WEA public relations director, hopes that many students will participate in the competition. "We'd like to see as many groups as possible," Peterson said. "If there are 20 successful businesses running at the end of the competition, why not keep it going?" For more information about WEA or the business competition, contact Ryan Treft at ' rtreft2000@yahoo.com or check out the WEA Web site at weberwea.com . You can leave a message for reporter Anne Rabe by calling 626-7624. - WSUSieNP0ST.COM You can leave a message for reporter Kerry Scott by calling 626-7624. FREE RECEIVE A N EXTRA CAMERA PHONE For 150 channels of digital qualify music, news, sports and entertainment in your car. WITH NEW ACTIVATION ON A 7 MOBILE 5 M Store For Detaili only... 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