We today received a letter from Promota informing us that they have terminated merger discussions with the BPMA. It appears that Promota have taken this decision due to the financial position of BPMA & the inability of both parties to come to mutual agreements on certain points. We assume this letter will be received by all Promota members in the post soon. We understand that the BPMA Board were unaware of Promota’s final decision at their BPMA Annual Dinner yesterday (Thursday). | Editors Comment: Sourcing City always have been, & will continue to be staunch supporters of both of our Trade Associations. It feels incredulous to us that a way to make the merger happen has not been found, particularly as it is clearly the overwhelming will of the members. It is hard to believe that the reasons given are insurmountable. With a clear will on both sides this merger needs to take place, & it would be disappointing to find that some people involved in the process just do not want it to happen. During the recent months we understand a number of Promota board members have resigned, although it is unclear if their resignations were related to the merger process. It really does not matter who is at fault for this failed merger situation, what actually matters is that the industry is losing a great opportunity to create a strong unified Trade Association. A new merged Trade Association could restructure to bring true benefits to its members in these difficult trading conditions. Both associations have become significantly weakened in recent times & we now fear we could be seeing the beginning of the end. We hope to be wrong, as this industry deserves a strong independent trade association, however our fear is that the final story may be that in the future we will not have one at all. Should BPMA wish to make a public reply, or Promota make further comment we will publish the latest information here in the Sourcing News Pages. *Promota letter on ‘more info’ button

Published on: December 18th, 2009