I don't know who at SonicBLue came up with the idea to buy the MEPEG, but when I heard about it I knew it would not succeed

It depends if you're talking about the success of acquiring the car player or the success of acquiring the development team. At the time of the acquisition we believed the automotive line would continue into the long term, but there have been at least two major reorganisations of management since then, each with a shift in policy. I believe that the latest policy - licencing to major 12V OEM's - will be a long term winner.

It's easy to be critical with hindsight but you should consider that of the companies interested in acquiring empeg (and there were a number of them) only SB wanted to continue manufacturing and selling our products to consumers. The alternatives would have caused the product to be discontinued over a year ago - at least how things have worked out another 4000 or so customers have had the opportunity to own a car player, and we're still developing consumer products.

As for the acquisition of the development team - we're still together, still developing products, still innovating (I believe) and working for a company with the resources and the balls to make some controversial products. Could be worse!

Rob