Going It Alone Isn't Always Wise By Jim Cramer About this article: The companies aren't oblivious to this difficult environment. It isn't just that they look at the futures and say, "Uh oh, here comes another bad one" -- the reaction we all feel today. No, it doesn't work like that. They realize that growth's been lowered worldwide and that they can't do it on their own because they don't have critical mass and they have to give up and get together with others in their industries to bring out value. Black & Decker and Encore came to this exact same conclusion at the same time. They just can't make more money for their shareholders independently than they can with other partners. With Encore settling for Denbury's bid and Black & Decker agreeing to be acquired by Stanley Works , both are settling for about half of what their companies were worth two years ago. But... Or, call us at 1-866-321-TSCM (8726) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET. Outside the U.S. and in Canada, call 1-212-321-5200.

If you choose a 14-day free trial of RealMoney and you do NOT call to cancel within those 14 days, you will pay $129.95 — a $100 savings off the regular annual subscription price of $229.95. Unless you cancel before the end of that year, your subscription will automatically renew for another year at the then-current subscription price.

Offer applies only to new annual subscriptions, and is subject to change at any time. Void where prohibited.

If you choose a monthly subscription, you pay $34.95 per month. You will be notified if the current monthly rate of $34.95 changes at any time in the future.

TheStreet.com is a publisher. None of the contributors or their affiliates will provide you with personally tailored advice concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. From time to time, any or all of the contributors or their affiliates may hold positions in securities mentioned and they may trade for their own accounts. In cases where the position is held at the time of publication, appropriate disclosure is made.

© TheStreet.com, Inc., 14 Wall Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10005.