BRS and Neptune Merger

[Philly Reefer]

This looks like a strategic error based on the desire to get bigger or address a financial objective rather than on the strategic need or benefit of combination. The majority of the synergy appears to be in the R&D, which doesn't appear to be a valid enough reason for 2 very different businesses to merge. It's more likely this will backfire. Competitors to Neptune (makers of controllers, pumps, lights, powerheads, dosers, etc.) won't want to sell through BRS, because selling through BRS strengthens Neptune. And competitors to BRS won't want to carry Neptune, because doing so strengthens BRS. Kind of how Pepsi lost out on sales to other fast food chains by merging with Pizza Hut. On top of all that, they've now destroyed part of the BRS brand strength by casting doubt on their perceived objectiveness in product testing and rating. Yes, both Neptune and BRS are dominant right now and likely won't see short term losses, but more competition is coming, and they just made it easier for their competitors to grab market share in the long run. It's a shame, because I like what both companies have had to offer up to this point as separate businesses.

This remains to be seen. As long BRS Customer Service stays good, they will have customers.

If those makers don't sell on BRS, they will be missing out on a big chunk of market.
This Saltwater hobby is already small enough (compared to other hobbies), I don't think those makers can afford to take their product out from BRS.

 

[ingchr1]

...
6. As others have mentioned, one of BRS's unquantifiable assets was it's supposed unbiased product videos. Obviously any opinions expressed involving Neptune products or those that compete with them will be suspect.
...

What's curious is that BRS just started carrying GHL Profilux and Coral Vue Hydros this year. Hydros somewhat understandable as it just came out, but Profilux has been a proven reliable controller for many years.

Will be interesting to see if those products remain on BRS.

 

[PanchoG]

I am not a fan of this merge, BRS will lose objectivity to review Neptune products.

BRS competitors will try to stay from Neptune, Neptune competitors will try to stay away from BRS. It doesn’t looks like the right move to me.

Also it brings me concerns about pricing as BRS + Marine Depot + Neptune will have a significant cloud over the industry kn North America. Usually this means higher prices for consumers. Personally I will move my business to Saltwateraquarium.com

 

[ThRoewer]

My money is on them buying tropic marin next. I really liked marine depot over Brs but it's hard to be mad at someone creating a successful business and trying to grow it as big as they can.

Tropic Marin is a German company. German companies are not as easily bought as US companies...

 

[Ldc3000]

You guys know this isn’t the first time a company has their own brand or company that makes a product that competes with similar products The sell. Amazon has Ring and sells Wyze and a bunch of other security products from other companies. For years Sears has sold its Kenmore line right along with Whirlpool and GE. It’s nothing new.

 

[ThRoewer]

Companies exist so long as customers are willing to keep them alive.

That's the theory but in praxis it's often different.

 

[Metcho]

All I can say is at the end of the day BRS is a company. Company’s buy and merge with other companies all the time. So to me it doesn’t matter it only matters to the stockholders and people who own BRS. At the end of the day BRS only had to remember their brand means quality and no matter how big the get remember how small they once were and how they got to where they are today. All of the saltwater reefers out there who buy from them. They have great customer service and I hope that they keep true to that.
Congratulations on the merge.

 

[Ricky_Reef]

They'll be launching a spacecraft before long too!

 

[RMS18]

I have shifted where my money goes:

BRS - glue, gfo, rodi stuff, carbon
Saltwateraquarium - salt, trident reagents, ICP, selcon, nori.
Aquarium specialty- Kz products
LA - frozen foods

For any bigger purchases I'll flip a coin lol.

 

[shred5]

I am not a fan of this merge, BRS will lose objectivity to review Neptune products.

They did that along time ago when they placed the big Neptune sign behind them.
They did that when they would not sell the Hydros because it new and they only sell products that are proven but put every Neptune product up for presale. Only sold the Hydros after the Reefbuilders article and back lash.

 

[Philly Reefer]

All I can say is at the end of the day BRS is a company. Company’s buy and merge with other companies all the time. So to me it doesn’t matter it only matters to the stockholders and people who own BRS. At the end of the day BRS only had to remember their brand means quality and no matter how big the get remember how small they once were and how they got to where they are today. All of the saltwater reefers out there who buy from them. They have great customer service and I hope that they keep true to that.
Congratulations on the merge.

Well said

 

[scottbapilot]

Why would Ryan do this? There products are not good and there customer service is even worse. I will never buy another Neptune product as long as live.

 

[Clo]

I kind of hate this.

I understand why from a business standpoint, but long term I think we will see consumers getting hurt by this. BRS could end up being the EXCLUSIVE retailer of Apex products going forward and no could stop them. :/

 

[adsf430]

I’m happy for them. I’ve absorbed so much free content from BRS that’s given me knowledge to take care of my tank and generally entertained me. They deserve continued success, and im optimistic they’ll still continue to put out useful content.

 

[Maximitsurugi]

NEXT WEEK!!! BRS "ACQUIRES/MERGES" REEF2REEF.

People are gonna say it's all good but I've never liked Monopoly. Congrats on the merger. I just hope it works out for the end user. Namely more affordable stuff

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

I don't have or buy Neptune stuff so I guess I don't care. Maybe Neptune stuff will get better with new management and direction and cash flow? I like buying from BRS, have but been buying a lot from Premium Aquatics lately.

 

[Philly Reefer]

Why would Ryan do this? There products are not good and there customer service is even worse. I will never buy another Neptune product as long as live.

Well... You clearly haven't watch BRS youtube lately... Or watched the announcement.
Ryan loves his Apex

 

[scottbapilot]

i got $20 on saltwateraquarium.com

I pray Not.

 

[Chrisv.]

Why would Ryan do this? There products are not good and there customer service is even worse. I will never buy another Neptune product as long as live.

Do you have an alternative controller that has the same functionality? ( I ask because I may be in the market one day soon)

 

[Maximitsurugi]

I pray Not.

Me too. This "Business" is becoming a predator tank and a pretty Neptune just became nitrate. Lol.