Fender Acquires Tacoma Guitar Company Assets
October 8, 2004
Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation (FMIC) announced today that its affiliate has just completed an
agreement to purchase specific assets of the Tacoma, Washington-based Tacoma
Guitar Company, Inc. The deal, effective as of October 7, 2004, includes
the brand names Tacoma, Olympia, Orpheum and Papoose, as well as the
company's Pacific Northwest manufacturing facility.
Contrary to the growing trend of U.S. manufacturers moving production to
overseas entities, this move adds an additional facility to FMIC and its
affiliate's United States manufacturing operations that will be focused
solely on acoustic guitar production.
"We are fully dedicated to offering the finest possible American-made
products," says Bill Schultz, Chairman & CEO of FMIC. "The Tacoma Guitar
Company has a rich history here in the United States, and we at FMIC look
forward to continuing its legacy."
The skilled staff based out of Tacoma, Washington will continue to
build Tacoma brand products. The facility will also take over production of
FMIC's storied Guild line of acoustic guitars, a transition that is already
in progress.
FMIC and its affiliate will immediately begin to manufacture, market, sell
and distribute Tacoma Guitar Company brands to its worldwide network of
retail partners. Existing Tacoma Guitar Company retailers will begin to be
contacted by FMIC Specialty Sales representatives to discuss the transition.
For more information, visit their web site at www.fender.com. | 
