Tony,
of cause talk of failure is all doom and gloom, but given that Aristo rise again like the veritable Phoenix, do you really think the potential dealer newtwork will sit up and beg like good little puppies? Aristo will be at the mercy of the dealers’ demands at their terms. Interest free credit with generous repayment terms, Aristo copping advertising costs for the dealer network including very limited supply outside of the network. To come back onboard the dealers will want exclusitivity. Of cause the dealers themselves will need to establish product line outside of Aristo to remain viable in the meanwhile. Those who survive will hold the golden goose. Yes, Aristo will survive but will it still be in the family control - I do not think so.
As you say, the company could be split up before armagaeddon, giving Crest a foothold without being dragged down by the parent company. The old Aristo under Nat Polk had its fingers in very many pies other than just trains, so perhaps there is hope (just perhaps).
