Thought this was interesting too…
In December 2023, private equity firm Proa Capital purchased a majority stake in Vallejo for $53 million .
3 Likes
This event could result in me switching to AK or Mig acrylic paints.
1 Like
Wow! I had absolutely no idea this was happening. I use vallejos for my figure painting and have for about 20 years. Glad they got a settlement that was beneficial to them.
2 Likes
Second about uses, news and results.
1 Like
I was surprised nothing (to my knowledge) had popped up on the forum about that story. Last night, YouTube algorithm tossed a somewhat shrill video into the feed. Found there was indeed an interesting story that had unfolded.
I use Vallejo sparingly but have ~25 bottles or so. Mostly HairBrushing tools on tanks, aka Old Wood, New Wood, Iraqi Sand. I like the bottles and it brush paints nice.
One bit of trivia, Vallejo was founded in ~1965 in New Jersey, USA. They moved to Spain in 1969.
Not a fan of private equity controlling small family businesses in general but it’s part of the game. Little companies thrive best when the proprietor is the shot caller. Owner sees what’s best beyond the next quarter etc.
3 Likes
Why? Because the workers came up for their rights and have won?
1 Like
Given the way corporations work, the price of Vallejo paints is now likely to rise. If it turns out AK or Mig paints produce better results at the same price point, a switch is warranted.
Prices almost certainly will rise. The Baggage - er, investment shareholders - need to cream off their profits, and they won’t accept reduced dividends when the bottom-line costs rise to realistic levels as workers get a decent wage. This is the basic problem with the venture-capital model of ownership, where sales have to feed the vultures. But cheating the workforce is no longer acceptable in the modern world. I buy only a few bottles a year, so won’t mind paying a bit extra for them…
String theory in action…
No longer the Butterfly effect, its now called the Luigi effect
Since both of those companies are also from Spain, they will probably be increase prices also.