Industry News: 3T and THM join forces
3T Cycling Srl will acquire THM Carbones GmbH; deal completes August, will strengthen 3T technical capability and provide THM with global distribution for its world-leading components.
3T Cycling Srl (3T) and THM Carbones GmbH (THM) are to join forces. Today the companies signed an agreement for 3T, based in Italy, to purchase all shares of German based THM from its founder Thomas Mertin.
THM embodies the essence of German engineering, with a no-compromise approach to designing and building the world’s best performing cranks, forks and brakes. Everything from first concept to final production takes place at their own facility in Alt Duvenstedt, Germany.
3T is a global leader in bicycle components with a 55-year history of innovation. It operates three regional sales offices (Italy, Taiwan, California), 20 service centers and worldwide sales, marketing and logistics.
The arrangement will see THM continue to focus on making its world-leading components in Germany, while 3T will ensure those products can reach the end consumer anywhere in the world more easily. Furthermore, 3T will provide THM with greater resources to develop new products. THM’s technical team will also be involved in 3T’s new product development.
Announcing the deal, Rene Wiertz, CEO and co-owner of 3T, says: “I am very happy we came to an agreement. I have great admiration for what Thomas and Petra have achieved with THM, and I say that also as a very satisfied customer of their products. With THM making the lightest possible components and 3T focusing on aerodynamics, it’s a perfect fit. . Together we can create a company with a global reach and unrivaled technical capability. Our products are complementary: THM makes the world’s best and lightest cranks and brakes, 3T makes most of the other parts of the bike”.
THM founder Thomas Mertin says: “This is a great opportunity for THM. The agreement with 3T gives us a global distribution network to expand our brand. THM has a clear roadmap to deliver top-notch products, manufactured in Germany. With 3T’ backing and commercial strength, we will be able to focus even more on the technical side and leave sales and distribution to the experts at 3T.”
Gerard Vroomen, co-owner of 3T says: “I’ve known Thomas for a long time and always admired not only his products but also his whole outlook on technology, business and the bike industry. I look forward to work closely with him, René and the people at both companies to create an exciting future.”
After the deal is closed, which is expected to happen in August of this year, Thomas will focus on the technical development, whereas Rene takes on the CEO role for both 3T and THM.
About 3T
3T is a global leader in bicycle components with a 55-year history of innovation. It operates three regional sales offices (Italy, Taiwan, California), 20 service centers and worldwide sales, marketing and logistics. 3tcycling.com
About THM
THM Carbones builds ‘no compromise’ carbon fiber components at its own facility in Alt Duvenstedt, Germany. Its products include the world’s lightest & stiffest forks, cranks and brakes. Website: thm-carbones.de
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Words & Photos: 3T
