Will These 5 Popular Brands Disappear In 2012?

By Larry Gellar A new article from Business Insider predicts that a number of brands will disappear in 2012. Let’s take a look at the most interesting 5 to see if any of their stocks should be bought at rock-bottom prices: While Eastman Kodak Co. (EK) traded for over $5 a share a year ago, the stock price is now down to a measly 37 cents. In fact, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the company is planning to file for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the event that it can’t sell its digital patents. While the digital patents might raise enough money to keep things going, the backup plan is to use debtor-in-possession lending while the bankruptcy is sorted out. Essentially, Kodak’s problem is that the once enormous company has too many costs to sustain its now small revenue. One reason Kodak is having trouble securing financing is because it is uncertain that even a capital infusion can turn things around. Regardless, Kodak’s patents are probably valuable to some company out there, and the investment bank Lazard (LAZ) is trying to find a buyer. In the meantime, three of Kodak’s directors have stepped down, perhaps a sign that…