31 DECEMBER 1994, Page 20

Monty and Maurice

A BAD year for investment was, by defini- tion, a good year for the Bad Investment Guide. Advertising agencies, the Guide says, do not need outside capital and blow it if they get it. Leasing companies develop black holes. The hole in Tiphook has sucked its founder, Robert Montague, down into bankruptcy — yacht, country house, dairy herd and all. At ex-Saatchi & ex-Saatchi, the shareholders finally asked Maurice Saatchi what was supposed to be in it for them. Poor Mr Montague forgot the Guide, believed his own publicity and bought shares with borrowed money. Rich Mr Saatchi knew better.