Aug
27
2008
27
2008
SMG Acquisition Called Off
Social Media Group and Livingston Communications have decided to part ways. In addition to my video commentary below, you can read Maggie Fox’s post on the Social Media Group web site.
Social Media Group and Livingston Communications have decided to part ways. In addition to my video commentary below, you can read Maggie Fox’s post on the Social Media Group web site.
Jeremy Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Bummer, but the way you handle it is a hallmark of ‘practicing what you preach.’ Authenticity and transparency. Onward and upward!
Kyle Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Ditto to Jeremy’s comment. Takes a lot of smarts to realize something of this magnitude, but even more brains to handle it with transparency and honesty.
Looking forward to seeing what’s next for you guys.
/kff
Lewis Green Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Wow! Shocker. However, you and Maggie are smart enough to recognize that the merger of equals would not work. That takes courage and savvy business skills. You are better today than before this experience. Rock On! And call me if I can help in any way.
George Athannassov Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Good luck and keep up the good work. At least you are open about it. This is always a good thing - no matter what the message is. Thanks.
Andre Blackman Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Wow. Super, utmost respect for you Geoff.
Adele McAlear Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Geoff, kudos to you and Maggie for handling this situation with such diplomacy and good will, despite what must be a disappointing situation. Why is it that you are always setting the bar on good practices? ;) As always, I wish you the best of luck in your business.
Brad Levinson Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Geoff - sorry to hear that this didn’t work out. As we’ve discussed before, if you stay true to yourself, everything tends to work out for the best. While it might be disappointing right now, there’s no doubt that both groups will continue to grow and flourish in their own ways.
Best to you and take care!
jon burg Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Geoff - best of luck moving forward! It’s inspiring to see people behaving with true honor and dignity in good times and not as good times. Best of luck with all your efforts, looking forward to continuing the productive and positive conversations moving forward.
Brian Solis Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 11:24 am
ROCK N ROLL GEOFF!
Angela Moore Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Geoff- Best wishes and I echo everyone’s sentiments that you handled it all very well. Looking forward to what’s coming next from you guys!
Nedra Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Sorry to hear that! But I’m glad you and Maggie had the foresight to realize that the merger of styles wouldn’t work out well, probably saving you both a lot of misery. I have no doubt that your own company will continue on to bigger and better things (though bigger does not always mean better!), especially with the very gracious way this chapter ended.
Dave Weinberg Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Too bad it didn’t work out. Good job on being up front and public about who, what, when, how. Excited to hear about more growth at Livingston Communication.
Jeremy Pepper Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
It’s like a marriage - better you find this out prior than post.
Sonny Gill Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Kudos to you guys for your foresight and professionalism with it all.
Krish Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Geoff, I am pretty impressed with how you handled this “annulment”, by being totally transparent. Good Luck and I am sure you are going to kick a$$.
Connie Bensen Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Geoff,
I agree with what the others have said. Long ago you extended your friendship & now I have the joy of working with you & your team. You have an incredible sense of direction for this industry.
I have no doubt that you’ll continue to lead the way. And I look forward to learning more from you.
Connie
Geoff Livingston Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Thanks so much for your support, everyone. It is much more than expected, and I know Maggie and I are both stunned by how warm and welcoming the community continues to be.
My utmost respect,
Geoff
Dan Schawbel Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Bravo on your transparency! Excellent Geoff. I look forward to the future of your company.
GeekMommy Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 1:29 am
Great vlog - very classy way to move forward - both of you just set the bar very high for anyone else who might find themselves in a similar situation.
Can’t wait to see what comes up for Livingston Comm next! :)
Karen Snyder Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Nice communication, Geoff!
Too bad AOL and Time Warner did not have you and Maggie to advise them back in 2000 : )
Trackbacks
Fine Print » Blog Archive » The Parting Of The CEOs Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
[...] here, watched here, read [...]
Social Media Group Acquisition Called Off - Post I.T. - A Technology Blog From The Washington Post - (washingtonpost.com) Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
FIR Interview: Maggie Fox and Geoff Livingston, Part 2 : NevilleHobson.com Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 2:27 am
[...] Fox and Geoff Livingston announced on August 27 that the previously-announced acquisition of Livingston Communications by [...]
brandflakesforbreakfast Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 7:52 am
bizsolutionsplus Featuring Solutions to Grow Your Business: Geoff and Maggie Got It Right Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 11:46 am
MaximumCMO » Blog Archive » how social media does m&a: branding, creative branding, strategic branding, interactive marketing Says:
August 29th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
[...] is it different? Geoff and Maggie each posted details about the deal gone sour on their blogs. Geoff’s is above. You can read Maggie’s post here. Professionally handled, transparent as they could likely [...]
Post I.T. Archive - Kim Hart - washingtonpost.com Says:
August 31st, 2008 at 5:43 am
POSM #2: Give me another viewpoint please | Engage in PR Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 10:40 am
[...] the community. The best example, of course, is the acquisition that never was and Geoff’s subsequent video post. You will also see this on a micro level with Geoff, who ferociously replies to comments on his [...]
Congrats to Geoff Livingston - SMG Acquiring Livingston Communications « Don’t Eat the Shrimp - Josh Morgan’s Take on PR, Social Media & Marketing Says:
April 9th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Web Feet Integrated Marketing » Blog Archive » CRT/tanaka Acquires Livingston Communications Says:
April 14th, 2009 at 9:46 am
[...] acquired by agency CRT/tanaka. After an (almost) merger with Social Media Group late last year that never quite panned out, CEO Geoff Livingston seems to be happy to have his agency in new [...]
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