China Yongxin Pharmaceuticals, a leading manufacturer, distributor and retailer of pharmaceuticals in Northeastern China, has signed a 10-year franchise agreement with one of the world’s largest US-based drug chains. The name of the chain was not released for competitive reasons, but the agreement will allow China Yongxin to use the drug chain’s brand name in operating drug chain stores in Jilin Province. According to the terms of the agreement, the company will have exclusive rights to the brand name in operations in Jilin Province, which includes the City of Changchun. China Yongxin will convert 87 of its existing stores in Jilin Province to branded stores during the first three years of the contract, as well as operate at least half of its new stores under this brand. By the end of the year, China Yongxin expects to have at least eight branded stores in operation, either through conversions or new ...

That somewhere to go is the road to future growth. The Talbots Inc. hopes their commitment to quality fashion will allow their customers and investors to share the ride with them. The company is an international specialty retailer and cataloger of women’s, children’s, and men’s fashion. They sell apparel, shoes, and accessories in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The Talbots Inc. has their headquarters in Hingham, Massachusetts. They trade on the NYSE as part of the Apparel Stores business sector. They operate 1,421 stores under the Talbots and J. Jill banners. The company’s target market for their J. Jill women’s wear is the 35 and over age group.

Their catalog division sent out 126 million catalogs into circulation last year. This broke down into 48 million under the Talbots brand name and 78 million under the J. Jill brand name. The company also operates online

...

Today I went ahead and decided to place a SELL call on Bear Stearns (ticker symbol: BSC).  Bear's brand name is tremendous and, was without question, a premier franchise but they were the result of a terrible credit market.  But at this point I think we are at the current max point.  From a purely speculative standpoint, I thought buying calls on the Monday morning of the day it traded at $2 would have been a good deal.  And it would've been fruitful as it has quintupled since then.  However, it appears that this deal is going to close now and the stock should probably sit at $10 level from here on out.  With that said, I believe that this name should be sold into any bit of strength and would recommend avoiding the position from a purchase standpoint.