Thomas & Thomas Under New Ownership

[Joe D]

Greenfield, MA - April 5, 2011. Chief Executive Officer of Thomas & Thomas Rodmakers Inc., Gerry Metcalfe, today announced the sale of all company assets.

The Thomas & Thomas brand, machinery, inventory and all other assets were sold to Islamorada, FL based fly fisherman Mark Richens. Concurrent to the asset purchase, Richens also agreed a deal to buy the Thomas & Thomas rod making facility in Greenfield, MA from Lon Deckard of Osprey, FL. The financial details of both transactions were undisclosed.

Metcalfe explained. "The Thomas & Thomas brand is under new ownership. This brings to a conclusion the events of recent years that have troubled Thomas & Thomas Rodmakers. Despite my best efforts, issues arising from the withdrawal of bank funding following the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008 have proven insurmountable. The team at T&T produced fly rods of the highest quality throughout difficult circumstances and I wish to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and professionalism.

It is my understanding that Mark will continue making bamboo, glass and graphite rods in Massachusetts under the Thomas & Thomas brand and will seek to recruit key personnel locally. Mark also advised me that he intends to honor warranty repairs on existing T&T rods. He will be issuing his own press release to this effect once he has had chance to discuss his plans with the many industry figures that have supported Thomas and Thomas so loyally over the years.

After putting so much into the company I am delighted to see Thomas & Thomas in the hands of someone with a full appreciation for its rich, forty-year heritage. I know Lon Deckard feels the same way.

Mark Richens is a fanatical fly fisherman, a long time user of T&T rods and a regular on the saltwater flats and trout and salmon streams of North America and beyond. At 39, he has the drive and acumen to re-energize this prestigious brand. He is unwavering in his belief that there remains a place for high quality fly rods, built entirely in the USA by craftsmen. I wish him and all involved with his new company well for the future."

For further information: Mark Richens +1 305 304 9444


American Fly Fishing Trade Association > News

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Answers a lot of questions raised here about T&T over the past couple of years. I wish the new ownership good luck in a tough market. Although I do not own any, I have fished with some and they are great rods.

 

[tompg]

I wonder what this is going to do to Harry Hough's shop

 

[Rusty Spinner]

I wonder what this is going to do to Harry Hough's shop

Sounds like rods are still being made or will be, so probably not much. I fished a guide's 8 weight T&T all day for two days on the flats for bones in the Keys and it was a monster of a rod. Can't recall the model, but 9 footer for 8. I've fished others over the years and was always impressed.

 

[theartoflee]

Good new to hear especially since I just bought and 13 foot seven weight. Sounds like they are doing better then CND to quote Bob Dylan 'the times they are a changing" now if only our government stays open

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Good new to hear especially since I just bought and 13 foot seven weight. Sounds like they are doing better then CND to quote Bob Dylan 'the times they are a changing" now if only our government stays open

And I own a CND two-hander:bang:

 

[Tritonrider]

Fantastic to hear. I live just down the road from their shop and have been a huge fan for a long time, but had my first interaction with them this winter when my handle came loose. Gave them a call and they said "bring it right up if you want." Dropped it off and talked for a few minutes. Couple of days, literally, got a call that it was ready. Picked the rod up, talked for a while, was told that there was going to be no charge for the repair. Got a free hat, and overall had a fantastic experience. I'd started to think that kind of customer service was dead after trying to deal with Filson, and a few other folks around X-Mas.
Great, friendly, helpful people who really care working there. Hope they all come back.
Bill

 

[Bobby_Wilds]

they do make a great product. my fiance bought me one last year for my birthday and it is a sweet rod.