Bramson

Before Bramson popped up on the share register, F&C's stock had slumped 73% in three years, its earnings per share had fallen 41% and its dividend had been cut by three-quarters.

F&C falls to a very American coup. Now what? 2011

Publicity-shy Bramson, 59, was born in London but moved to the Big Apple 35 years ago.

F&C falls to a very American coup. Now what? 2011

But the city "went through a 50-year stretch of very significant economic challenges," Mr. Bramson says.

Sale of New Rochelle Site Revives Development Talks Dawn Wotapka 2011

Bramson has a track record as a turnaround merchant – past successes include the telecoms firm Spirent and chemicals company Elementis although he's had failures, too, such as underperforming US fitness firm Nautilus.

F&C falls to a very American coup. Now what? 2011

The New Rochelle area slipped into a downward spiral that bottomed out in the early 1990s, Mr. Bramson says.

Sale of New Rochelle Site Revives Development Talks Dawn Wotapka 2011

New Rochelle, mostly known as a bedroom community serving New York, saw tremendous growth and success during the first half of the 20th century, says Mayor Noam Bramson.

Sale of New Rochelle Site Revives Development Talks Dawn Wotapka 2011

But the city "went through a 50-year stretch of very significant economic challenges," Mr. Bramson says.

Sale of New Rochelle Site Revives Development Talks Dawn Wotapka 2011

New Rochelle, mostly known as a bedroom community serving New York, saw tremendous growth and success during the first half of the 20th century, says Mayor Noam Bramson.

Sale of New Rochelle Site Revives Development Talks Dawn Wotapka 2011

The New Rochelle area slipped into a downward spiral that bottomed out in the early 1990s, Mr. Bramson says.

Sale of New Rochelle Site Revives Development Talks Dawn Wotapka 2011

Bramson has effectively seized control of F&C without making a bid, or paying the usual takeover premium.

F&C falls to a very American coup. Now what? 2011