|   SRAM acquires AVID | Mike C
Jan 13, 2004 8:11 AM | | SRAM Corporation Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Avid LLC
Chicago, IL January 13, 2004
SRAM Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent to purchase Avid LLC. Avid is widely recognized as the technology and performance leader in braking systems, and this acquisition furthers SRAM's goal of providing a full component group to the bike industry.
The combination of SRAM and Avid creates a stronger company, and the only supplier in the bike industry to offer a broad range of Drivetrain, Suspension, and Brake Systems. SRAM's breadth in global operations will improve capacity, information flow, and service for the Avid product lines. The combination of Avid's and SRAM's proven product development will lead to exciting new product lines.
Over the last 15 years SRAM has grown to be the second largest component supplier in the industry. SRAM has a unique heritage of product innovation and customer service starting with twist shifters and extending through drivetrains. We have grown through our own efforts and the through the integration of three other great companies. These include:
Ø Sachs: The inventor of freewheels and internal gear hubs.
Ø RockShox: The inventor of mountain bike suspension.
Ø Avid: The inventor of adjustable brake levers and leader in disc brake systems.
SRAM and Avid are currently in the final phase of due diligence, with the closing expected to take place by Jan. 30th. Detailed integration plans with are being formulated with Avid, and will be communicated to the industry at the Taipei show in March.
For additional information please contact Michael Zellmann:
Phone: 312.664.8800 ext.1367
Email: mzellmann@sram.com |
| Customer service impact? | RobW
Jan 13, 2004 8:37 AM | | Avid is known for it's great customer service. While I'm quite happy with the SRAM products I do own (I've never had a problem), I wonder what impact this will have on Avid's customer relations. With the great reputation they already have it's hard to believe they could get better, but one can only hope... |
| SRAM is also know for exceptional customer service | rjl
Jan 13, 2004 1:50 PM | | i don't think this should be a concern. |
| SRAM CS is good, but only accessible through bike shops... | f'nætik (aka næstep)
Jan 13, 2004 4:17 PM | | Avid has always maintained good relations with the end user, including small parts support. This is exceptional and very much appreciated, but in a high volume business it's difficult to pull off.
SRAM has been very good about phone support, email support, in the past Ed Nasjetli would frequent these boards, but with the exception of some recent problems with a Sram internal gear hub, everything has to go through a local shop. Thankfully, in SRAM's favor, they don't requires bike shops to go through distributors if the item needed isn't readily available.
So some good, some bad, but I think a change I can live with.
Any word what happens to the Avid crew that's always been so responsive to our needs? |
| re: SRAM acquires AVID | Appendage
Jan 13, 2004 9:01 PM | | I had to call Avid when one of my little tiny brake lever reach adjustment screw things vibrated out and was lost. They sent me a new one immediately, and at no charge. All it takes is one encounter like that and I'm a loyal customer. I sure hope none of that changes.
I do like the idea of another company beside Shimano offering a wide range of quality components. I have no major gripes with Shimano, but competition is always healthy. Whenever there's a viable alternative to Shimano, I make a point of buying brand X. If Sram's next "acquisition" were Ritchey or WTB, they could offer a complete mountain gruppo. That would be cool with me. |
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