The Business Side of Amateur Astronomy

Jim McSheehy said:

We're coming out (supposedly) of the economic funk that started in 2008, and there are lots of mergers and acquisitions changing the landscape in many business categories. What changes might we expect for the current crop of companies, large and small, that make the stuff we buy and enjoy? Here's my take on 2011:

ASA -- EU company, direct drive mounts, the future of GEMs?
[COLOR="Blue"]Don't know enough to comment[/COLOR]
Astro-Physics -- Are they becoming a mounts-n-accessories business? Candidate for sale or merger?
[COLOR="Blue"]Looks like mounts and accessories are their direction, however as the business is more specialized, no sale. I could see them merging or buying to gain a manufacturing edge to help their telescope market.[/COLOR]
Celestron -- new products, tried to raise retail prices, will they hold? Inflation is raging and rumor has it the Chinese currency will be revalued upward 20% versus the dollar.
[COLOR="Blue"]Look for an all Chinese Celestron with a renamed eyepiece line based on many of the Meade products. What? Yes I think a merge to save what's left of Meade.[/COLOR]
Dobs-R-Us -- the dozen or so makers of Dobsonian scopes, expanding or shrinking?
[COLOR="Blue"]Like micro-breweries always somebody new and always shifting. About the same market volume as 2010.[/COLOR]
Galt's Gulch -- a crop of astro-enclaves or dark-sky communities have sprung up like dandelions in the U.S. Are these sustainable?
[COLOR="Blue"]As retirement communities, yes. Trouble is you have to bring your income with you.[/COLOR]
iOptron -- Chinese GEM dynasty in the making?
[COLOR="Blue"]Don't know enough[/COLOR]
Meade -- still losing money and consolidating facilities. Is the company up for sale?
[COLOR="Blue"]No, but a takeover will eventually be necessary. Celestron or Explore Scientific to buy up remaining rights, assets and patents.[/COLOR]
OGS -- mostly sales to pros and government now?
[COLOR="Blue"]More of the same.[/COLOR]
Officina Stellare -- EU company with high-end products.
[COLOR="Blue"]Don't know enough to comment.[/COLOR]
QSI -- new products, fast growth
[COLOR="Blue"]Don't know enough to comment.[/COLOR]
Questar -- same as OGS?
[COLOR="Blue"]Same, but look for a new product. I'm betting an Apochromat within two years.[/COLOR]
SBIG -- new owners, new focus?
[COLOR="Blue"]Don't know enough to comment.[/COLOR]
SkyShed -- an unheralded success story?
[COLOR="Blue"]In 2011 slowly taking on more market share, but don't count out the new tupperware.[/COLOR]
Software Bisque -- new products, can they maintain or expand their customer base?
[COLOR="Blue"]"Iffy", too much competition from all corners.[/COLOR]
Takahashi -- new products, increased prices
[COLOR="Blue"]Solid product line. Prices a bit proud, but won't back off. Look for a wide field CAT.[/COLOR]
TEC -- adjusted their product offerings, but appear stable
[COLOR="Blue"]Wish I knew more about them.[/COLOR]
Televue -- new products, they appear stable
[COLOR="Blue"]New line coming out now. Look for more direct competition from both high end and custom EP lines.[/COLOR]