Hilary, that is wonderful news. We had lately been hearing reports here in the States that all was not well and that the deal might fall through. Don't think anyone will dare to fully believe it until Brooks resume shipping in quantity. A lot of people have probably stocked up with a lifetime supply, but I think there is still some pent-up demand, especially for honey and antique brown examples which were the first to sell out. It will be interesting to see what they do in regard to pricing, and whether any models will be discontinued. One wonders, for example, if they will continue making the titanium railed B-17 that Rivendell featured in recent catalogs.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Hilary Stone wrote:
> The good news is that Brooks Saddles has been saved. See text of press
> release below.
>
> Hilary Stone
>
> Press Release
>
> Brooks Saddles free to build on fine heritage in £1 Million acquisition
>
> The management team of Brooks, makers of fine leather bicycle saddles have
> acquired the business from the liquidators of its parent company, Sturmey
> Archer Ltd (in liquidation) of Nottingham.
>
> Brooks, based at Smethwick, Birmingham had always been a separate
> manufacturing centre from its parent company and so the team will be
> straight back into production on Monday 6th November.
>
> The acquisition was supported by private investors from within the bicycle
> industry who have a high regard for the quality saddles that Brooks produce.
> Brooks saddles sell to over 180 companies world wide with over 85% of
> production going to discerning customers overseas. The saddles are used on a
> comprehensive range of cycles including traditional and contemporary styled
> bikes, touring cycles, tandems and performance road bikes.
>
> Brooks Managing Director, Gordon Nixon is delighted to be back at work with
> his loyal team of craftsmen, saying "We were deeply shocked when our parent
> company went into liquidation through no fault of our own. Brooks was
> founded in Birmingham over 130 years ago and we have always been immensely
> proud of our heritage. We are now thankfully free to continue to build on
> our reputation as the finest bicycle saddle maker in the world. We are
> extremely grateful for all the support we have received, especially from our
> customers who have stood by us and who have today, on our first day back,
> given us orders in excess of a months production."
>
> The acquisition of Brooks was overseen by Paul Bennett of the law firm
> George Green (of Cradley Heath), acting with the investors in conjunction
> with James Grenfell of Birmingham based Corporate Financiers, Invex Partners
> Ltd. Banking facilities are being provided by HSBC, Birmingham.
>
> ----- * -----
>
> Release: Immediate
>
> For further information please call Gordon Nixon at Brooks - tel: 0121 565
> 2992
> - fax: 0121 565 1630