Redbox Acquires NCR, Blockbuster Express For Up To $100 Million(fastcompany.com)
fastcompany.com
Redbox Acquires NCR, Blockbuster Express For Up To $100 Million
http://www.fastcompany.com/1814438/redbox-acquires-ncr-blockbuster-express-for-up-to-100-million-boasts-more-locations-than-mcd
2 comments
Thanks, the article wasn't terribly clear on this either. I found it kind of odd that Redbox would aquire a POS solutions provider...
My understanding is that NCR provided a service to Blockbuster (which simply branded it, and provided the consumer relationship, aka took payments). DISH Network is now the owner of Blockbuster, and I don't think they are the only consume-facing operator of these kiosks.
Isn't that bad for the consumer when a near duopoly buys the competitor?
It's probably a balance. One of the most desirable traits of a convenience service like Redbox is the ubiquity of their kiosks. If every block had a kiosk run by a different service, it would be bad for the consumer because it would be difficult to know who to trust.
Yes, because it practically eliminates the competition in the market. Considering that Redbox recently raised their prices, the purchase of Blockbuster Express may have primarily been intended to ensure that BBX couldn't undercut them.
<edit> The Redbox press release [2] makes it clear that they have only acquired NCR's entertainment line of business.
[1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericsavitz/2012/02/06/ncr-q4-top...
[2] http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/redbox-to-acquire-th...