Originally posted by Pembalap
Formal Statement from AE.
"Due to the impending retirement of AE President, Roger Curtis, Associated Electrics and Thunder Tiger Corporation have begun negotiating a joint venture designed to streamline production and delivery of AE products domestically and internationally.
Associated brings solid name brand recognition to the table, which will pair perfectly with the tremendous manufacturing capability of Thunder Tiger Corporation. Both companies have worked together very successfully for more than six years to produce much of Associated's current line of products, with each company performing the services that best match their core abilities. That plan will not be affected by this potentially new venture. This guarantees that Associated's high standards for product quality and performance will remain intact.
Associated's relationship with our domestic distributors will remain the same. However, product availability and fill rates will improve. Associated's products will be available in more countries throughout the world.
Ownership of Associated has not changed, and its' personnel remains unchanged. Associated's team of highly motivated individuals stands ready to carry on the legacy that has made this company a legend in the R/C car racing industry.
Although a final agreement has yet to be reached, both parties are confident that a strong mutual business relationship will prove beneficial to both parties as well as their customers around the world.
We will update this company statement as more information becomes available."
That sounds eerily similar to the Daimler-Benz buyout of Chrysler. It's a 'Joint Venture'....however when one company buys a controlling interest in another country you can claim joint venture all you want.it's a buyout...I suspect that TTR will let that be known after everyone gets comfy with the new ownership situation.
People didn't mind as much when MB and Chrysler 'partnered'...they would have screamed bloody murder if it had been originally announced as a buyout.