I don't know the answer to why James but I'm sure that your guesses are good. The price I feel that Hardy may have paid for that is in terms of brand perception. Rationally, there should be no difference between a rod made here or in the Far East, but I think that a typical Hardy fan or someone that's attracted to Hardy likes the image of skilled British craftsmen who've maybe worked at Hardy for years lovingly creating top class equipment. The idea of them churning out rods in factories in the Far East takes something away form the mystique of what is a quintessentially British brand. This could all sound like a fantasy scenario, but brands are all about perception and fantasy. I actually think that returning to that would do something for sales, albeit as part of a wider strategy. You only have to look at this forum to see some pretty damning reports on the performance of some Hardy tackle and the way that their customer service levels are alleged to have dropped to get a sense that a fundamental change and return to some core values is needed.

Hopefully (in fact I'm certain) perceptive investors will come along and take the Hardy brand back to where it belonged for 100 years.

The problems have been addressed on the other thread, and summed up very well by DocFly. They should split it back into 2 (or 3) separate companies, with common ownership in the early years.
Greys to tackle the mass market (pun intended)
Hardys to aim for the top end (where they are already very successful in Germany and the States). The HARDY brand should be exploited as a brand by someone who understands marketing [I joked about LVMH in the other thread, but wasn't joking]

I'm looking forward to testing the 2013 Hardy Range Rover......

I find it sad that too many want to slap them when they're down - there's still a lot of good people working in Alnwick - give them some hope!

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“Let’s TACKLE Cancer” supporter

I think there's a good opportunity for the right investor(s) and/or group buying this. You make some very good points Alwyn regarding the dilution of the Hardy brand. It's a very difficult market we live in now but I still think the Hardy brand is about quality and performance over price and personally I think if I was after that type of product I'd like to be able to support a wholly British manufactured product. However, in many cases, the old ideology that a British made product exuded quality as a norm, has long gone.

In the last US debate currently going on in the Presidency race, they both talked about the need to bring manufacturing back to their shores and I think that's right. Maybe through the purchase of Hardy/Greys, this could be reflected by producing the premium Hardy brand in the UK and the Greys remains an oversees more budget option.

Remember, we did get the Pininfarini / Peugeot relationship, that started back in 1952 (I think) and still goes on today, so that idea isn't that far fetched

I drive a vauxhall and wouldn't be so keen on a Ferrari buyout. Wouldn't want to dilute the brand

MidCurrent received this news yesterday afternoon and today spoke with Jim Murphy, president of Hardy North America.

“I believe the company will come out of this in much better shape than it has been in,” Murphy told us. “Expansion in the US and Germany have been rapid and demanding, and it has outstripped the portfolio. On the other hand it’s a great opportunity for the company to retool its capital resources and continue expanding. In my opinion Hardy & Grey’s has been a well-kept secret.” We asked Murphy about the viability of company and its US operations. Murphy said: “Hardy & Grey’s just finished implementing a new three-year plan, and it is very much business as usual.”

This afternoon the London Telegraph reported: “Despite turnover of £12.8m from selling 80,000 rods in 2010, the company made a loss of £446,000. It axed 19 staff from its 100-strong workforce, but the cost cutting was deemed to be insufficient.”

Murphy elaborated in his conversation with us, pointing out that in 2010 the company was dealing with the collapse of the UK economy, and that “those numbers don’t reflect the successes of the past two years.”

Just read that article (same source) and did a 'Woozer.' Was reflecting on the number of rods sold and the amount of the 'cash' loss. Something's wildly amiss with their Business Plan to put it mildly.

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"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

Excellent! But the resale value of your Vauxhaul could sky-rocket!

I was surprised that Hardy only turns over around £13m p.a. Would've expected much more...

Well done H&S. Perfect timing, with Mr. Jim barely cold in his box. No, I'm sure the announcement was driven by 1/2 financial year figures, nothing more.

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I admit it, I have sharpness issues.

This afternoon the London Telegraph reported: “Despite turnover of £12.8m from selling 80,000 rods in 2010, the company made a loss of £446,000. It axed 19 staff from its 100-strong workforce, but the cost cutting was deemed to be insufficient.”

What about the hidden loses.....Harrison Sheldon were paying at least 2 directors, which would have made the loses even greater had Hardy's paid them Good luck to anyone who buys it, and lets hope the people on the shop floor remain in employment.

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obviously they have to optimise their operations. they have certain timeless reel designes that will always have a loyal buying public to please. As for the rods - the market is complicated. I still prefer many of the older rod models from the 90's and some even earlier and dont find their current rods as much inspirational and discerning among the other brands. And branding like "HardyGreys" is meaningless. Should be separated.

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