A small business is not just about balance sheet economics. If it was, there would be more Accountants running them, successfully.
If GM bought them out, there would be necessary changes that could have an impact on the bottom line. Some of GM's policies and procedures would necessarily be incorporated into their unique existing structure, which might not be beneficial. The motivation and attitudes that belong currently might be impacted by the big business culture which is often not as keen and more wasteful. Small business are quick and agile, as opposed to powerful but unwieldy corporations.
In the business I know, we could buy out a supplier but a conscious decision has been made not to. It is so much simpler to just buy the product for X, markup by Y and sell for Z. Less headaches. Obviously I don't know why GM have not purchased during your time frame, but there is more to it than just dollars and cents. Nothing is as simple as it seems from the outside.
CXZ Price at posting:
1.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
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