Zimmermann's recommendation to publishers: buy Valora shares

 In his latest column, Weltwoche media columnist Kurt W. Zimmermann addresses the topic of newsstand sales. He explains that newsstand sales of press products have been drifting steadily downwards in recent years. After taking a swipe at the Tages-Anzeiger, Blick and NZZ, which are "the three worst-made newspapers in Switzerland according to traditional criteria", he places the blame for lukewarm newsstand sales at Valora. This is an extremely poorly managed company that has slept through the business trends: Instead of offering a kiosk design geared towards impulse purchases, many of Valora's outlets look like counter halls. Equally disastrous is the fact that Valora does not have a proper sales management system, which means that sold-out titles are not replenished at the kiosks. The Extraordinary General Meeting on January 30, at which Adriano Agosti intends to exercise his power, is expected to bring about change at Valora. In Zimmermann's eyes, this day offers Ringier, Tamedia, NZZ Group and Axel Springer Switzerland a "brilliant opportunity". He advises the publishers to join forces on this occasion, buy two percent of Valora's share capital and demand a seat on the Board of Directors. The columnist is "pretty sure" that Michael Ringier, Pietro Supino or Ralph Büchi would be elected. However, Zimmermann does not entirely believe in the effectiveness of his recommendation himself: knowing the publishers, he says, they would not solve the newsstand crisis, but would rather continue to moan about Valora.