posted by pje on august 06, 1998 at 14:13:22:
in reply to: re: re: re: Merlin still in business? posted by Federico Larco on august 06, 1998 at 08:24:32:
: : : : Is Merlin still in business? I read something about the company being purchased and everyone leaving and was just wondering whether the company was still operational. I have checked the Merlin BB on numerous occasions and never see any new postings. What's happening?
: : : John! I admit that it is getting a bit disconcerting but i'm sure "things" will settle down soon! We live in hopes of great things from the corner of Wilson & Smith Place, Cambridge MA ! As you have read here on the site "The Web Guy" is hard at work updating this "page". pje
: : Having been through the acquisition of my company, I am curious how this has effected your company. Have key people in frame production left, or is the pre-acquisition frame building crew still there building frames as before?
:
: Rest assured that the great people that have been building Merlin's are still here. As a matter of fact, since the acquisition we have had "zero" people leave and have increased our shop floor staff by 55% and our sales staff by 50%. Joining Saucony has only been a good thing for Merlin.
: When we were looking for a company to purchase Merlin, we wanted to join a company that viewed Merlin as a strategic acquisition to the growth of the parent company. We were very careful to eliminate any company that just wanted to absorb Merlin and jeopardize Merlin's values, culture, and ideals. We thought that our customers would be best served by sticking to this principle. Saucony, Inc. has fit the bill perfectly.
: The only thing that I can add is that the benefits from joining Saucony will become more evident in the 1999 season. We are introducing 5 new bike models, launching a new advertising campaign, providing a new Merlin accessory line, ... etc.
: I hope this gives you confidence in that Merlin is stronger than ever.
: Thanks,
: Federico
Federico! NO ! THANK YOU for sharing this great news with your Merlin Family ( and of course anyone contemplating purchasing a Merlin!) I am particularly grateful to read that the artists/magicians who toiled at Smith & Wilson at the time of the "merger" are still there. I am so pleased to know that Matt Bracken is there and that his continued input and knowledge can only continue to keep Merlin's focus on QUALITY-QUALITY-QUALITY. Thanks ! paul