Ryobi no longer owned by TTI

[kctyphoon]

Ryobi power tools no longer owned by TTI..

 

[Skin]

This isn't really correct.

Kyocera purchased the Japan based Ryobi Tools Division...from Ryobi. This is entirely separate from TTI's Ryobi which is a brand they (TTI) own and is marketed globally which they purchased 18 years ago. In other words TTI long ago bought out Ryobi's world wide operations and Ryobi itself retained its home operations which they recently sold off. Nothing has changed, or will change, unless you were in a market that was held by Ryobi Japan.

 

[kctyphoon]

This isn't really correct.

Kyocera purchased the Japan based Ryobi Tools Division...from Ryobi. This is entirely separate from TTI's Ryobi which is a brand they (TTI) own and is marketed globally which they purchased 18 years ago. In other words TTI long ago bought out Ryobi's world wide operations and Ryobi itself retained its home operations which they recently sold off. Nothing has changed, or will change, unless you were in a market that was held by Ryobi Japan.

According to what I'm seeing, in January- TTI sold off the power tools division of Ryobi, but they (TTI) still, for now, maintain the manufacturing and distribution for that tool division. The power tools dept is the only thing people in here are really concerned about, which is now owned (80% of it anyway) by a company other than RYOBI or TTI. YES - Ryobi still owns 3 of the 4 divisions of the company - none of which are the power tools now.. in essence -TTI is now manufacturing Ryobi tools FOR another company - just like they do for craftsman and Ridgid..

The impression I have is - now TTI is working FOR another company when they manufacture tools for RYOBI, instead of working for a company (Ryobi ) that they PREVIOUSLY owned.

 

[Skin]

You'd be mistaken. TTI sold nothing. Ryobi Limited and TTI are two separate companies, both have power tool divisions under the Ryobi label. Ryobi Limited fed the Asian markets, TTI Europe, Americas, and down under. TTI purchased the Ryobi branding in those markets outright 18 years ago. Again, TWO separate companies sell products under the Ryobi label. Not one. Only one company, Ryobi Ltd, which is a wholly Japanese company, sold its (last) division for the Asian market. Not one thing changed with TTI.

To hammer this home TTI released this as part of a clarification statement

The Transaction is not related to any of TTI’s RYOBI businesses worldwide, which will remain unaffected by the Transaction.

 

[kctyphoon]

You'd be mistaken. TTI sold nothing. Ryobi Limited and TTI are two separate companies, both have power tool divisions under the Ryobi label. Ryobi Limited fed the Asian markets, TTI Europe, Americas, and down under. TTI purchased the Ryobi branding in those markets outright 18 years ago. Again, TWO separate companies sell products under the Ryobi label. Not one. Only one company, Ryobi Ltd, which is a wholly Japanese company, sold its (last) division for the Asian market. Not one thing changed with TTI.

To hammer this home TTI released this as part of a clarification statement

Yes - this was part of an article from October 2017..

I feel like it's partly semantics, cause you want me clarify Ryobi sold, and not TTI sold - which in reality Ryobi didn't do this without TTI's involvement and approval.

So what's missing from the story here?

So when this company announced they have purchased the majority interest in Ryobi powers tools division, which is explained to have been SPLIT apart from Ryobi's other 3 divisions, (hence different owners now of what were only separate divisions within Ryobi) - obviously which had to approved by TTI - since TTI acquired Ryobi years ago, and that as this other Company "Kyocera" is putting out press releases stating "they have acquired 80% of Ryobi's power tool division, and are looking forward to developing new products" -

From what I'm reading at various places, it says TTI still owns the "RIGHTS" to the Ryobi name in North American, European, and Oceanic markets. But selling off 80% of the tool division, to me anyway-- they don't look to "own" or "control" product development anymore - which in my eyes, is the bigger interest for us. My impression is it's like putting a brand name on a building. As in, TTI can say "yes or no" to "yes - we feel this lives up to the Ryobi name, so you can call this a Ryobi tool in North America...

Kyocera's own press release..

This news release is intended for media purposes, and is current of the date of publication. Information is subject to change without notice.
KYOCERA Acquires Power Tool Business from RYOBI
Acquisition aims to take advantage of synergies within Kyocera Group companies to expand industrial tools business globally

January 10, 2018
KYOTO, JAPAN ― January 10, 2018 ― Kyocera Corporation (President: Hideo Tanimoto) today announced that it has acquired 80% of shares in Kyocera Industrial Tools Corporation, an enterprise established from the company split of Ryobi Limited’s (President: Akira Urakami) power tool business under a share transfer agreement as of October 31. Through the acquisition, Kyocera aims to promote diversification and further expansion of its industrial tools business.

Kyocera has continually been expanding sales in its cutting tool business on a global basis as one of the leading companies in the field after having entered the market more than 40 years ago. Kyocera has been focusing its efforts on diversifying and expanding sales of products from its core of indexable tools to solid carbide tools, woodworking tools, as well as power and pneumatic tools for the construction industry.

Objectives
1. Full-scale entry into power tools market aiming for business expansion
The power and pneumatic tools business is expected to grow continuously from its current global market size of approximately 3 trillion yen. So far, Kyocera has strengthened its power tool business in the U.S. and European markets through targeted acquisitions including the Unimerco Group in Europe (now KYOCERA UNIMERCO A/SExternal Link) in 2011, and SENCO Holdings, Inc. in August of last year (now KYOCERA SENCO Industrial Tools, Inc.External Link).

By acquiring the power tool business from Ryobi, which has a strong market position in Japan, Asia and Africa*1 encompassing a wide range of products with highly advanced technologies, Kyocera aims to take advantage of synergies with its relevant group companies in order to expand sales globally.

2. Product development and engineering utilizing Kyocera and Ryobi expertise
Kyocera aims to enhance product capabilities by not only using the expertise in product development and engineering possessed by Kyocera and Ryobi, but also by incorporating various kinds of components including power devices into its power tools. In addition, Kyocera aims to develop new products which enable productivity improvements through the utilization of Kyocera’s IoT and related technologies.

 

[kythri]

Ryobi Japan is not the same as the Ryobi that TTI owns, and has not been for quite some time.

Kyocera bought the power tools division from Ryobi Japan (Ryobi Limited).

They did not buy anything from TTI, and they have nothing to do with TTI, or TTI's Ryobi line - just like Ryobi Japan has had nothing to do with TTI or TTI's Ryobi line, since, like, forever.

 

[kythri]

Also, no semantics:

Kyocera bought this:

https://www.ryobi-group.co.jp/en/topics/powertools.html which is now this:

http://www.kyocera-industrialtools.co.jp/english/#a02

Not any of this (which is still wholly-owned by TTI):

http://www.ryobitools.com/
http://www.ryobitools.eu/
http://www.ryobi.com.au/
http://www.ryobi.co.nz/

Key statement from the first link:

(Ryobi brand power tools sold in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, will remain available in these regions, with Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company that has no capital relationship with Ryobi, continuing as the manufacturer and distributor of these products.)

 

[jakemac]

I think I'm more confused now than before I read this thread.
It's a good thing I won't touch Ryobi tools anyway. I took an instant dislike to the brand in the 90's when I learned who the local repair/warranty company was. I have a bad history with that company. Unfortunately, in my head, the brand suffered for the association. I just can't look at Ryobi tools with an objective eye.

 

[kythri]

What's to be confused about?

TTI doesn't operate (and never has) the Ryobi brand in the Asian market. They bought Ryobi Limited's North American business in 2000, Europe in 2001 and Oceania (Australia/New Zealand) in 2002.

Ryobi Limited maintained ownership of their Asian power tools business, which is what Kyocera just bought.

The Ryobi you bought in the '90s was Ryobi Limited, and nothing to do with TTI.

 

[dutchgray]

What's to be confused about?

TTI doesn't operate (and never has) the Ryobi brand in the Asian market. They bought Ryobi Limited's North American business in 2000, Europe in 2001 and Oceania (Australia/New Zealand) in 2002.

Ryobi Limited maintained ownership of their Asian power tools business, which is what Kyocera just bought.

The Ryobi you bought in the '90s was Ryobi Limited, and nothing to do with TTI.

The 90's stuff, blue hard cased corded power tools, was actually pretty good, Dad bought a few and apart from an SDS drill which we wore out, they are all still going, concrete breaker, 1/2 sheet sander, 12" sliding mitre saw (that one may be TTI).

 

[kctyphoon]

I am confused how a company can buy a majority share in a division that has just been sold off, and not be able to assert some sort of control over that complete division..

Here's what I've read, from multiple sources and even things you've posted..

TTI retains the "RIGHTS" to the Ryobi NAME in these regions.... etc etc etc..

TTI will maintain the manufacturing and distribution for those regions... someone could write this same description about TTI and Ridgid.


Where has it said - TTI still retains OWNERSHIP of the Ryobi power tool division of these areas you're posting about??


Given the limited info, and specefic wording being presented in press releases - this is the impression I get. I might be 100% wrong on this, but usually things being written and presented in the media certain ways are for a reason..

As an example - The RIGHTS to the name "Trump" belong to Trump's business. The name "Trump" appears on many buildings.. "Trump" does not own or control all these buildings. He simply allows them to use the name to help attract business - in return for financial compensation. However to KEEP the name "Trump" on those buildings, the OWNERS must deliver and MAINTAIN a certain level of appearance, and fulfill certain expectation levels to customers - so the "Trump" label remains there, and that branding is not stripped from those businesses which would be a near death sentence.

Why is their deliberate vagueness in the explanations being given through press releases if "nothing changed"..

 

[Skin]

Don't know how else to spell it out for you. Literally two direct quotes saying this such as "TTI has no relationship with Ryobi Limited" and "this transaction is not related to TTI's Ryobi business" cant be any more crystal clear. Neither statement is remotely vague.

 

[American Locomotive]

I really don't understand what your hang up is kctyphoon. TTI's Ryobi is a completely different entity than Ryobi Japan's Ryobi.

Ryobi of Japan sold the rights to their power tool brand in US, Europe and Australia/New Zealand to TTI. They retained the rights to their brand in the Asia market. Ryobi Japan just sold their Asian power tools brand to Kyocera. TTI is completely unaffected by this change at all.

 

[kctyphoon]

What can I tell you - google, and read what's out there, not just one article.. or a single press release.

So what you're telling me is Ryobi is gonna have two completely different power tool lines. One set of tools for here, and a completely different line of Ryobi tools in the Asian market, nothing like what is here... Correct?

 

[WittHay]

The only trademark that TTI owns is Milwaukee. TTI uses the names Ryobi and AEG under license agreements with the trademark owners. TTI factories in China make AEG, Craftsman, Milwaukee and Ryobi. Japanese Ryobi Ltd. has always made power tools in different factories than TTI. Nothing has changed with regards to TTI.

TTI is basically German but has Hong Kong partners and is headquartered in Hong Kong. The engineering for TTI Ryobi is planned in Germany and they figure out what mix of AEG, Milwaukee and Ryobi is sold to each country and to what customers and price levels.

 

[6PTsocket]

I am confused how a company can buy a majority share in a division that has just been sold off, and not be able to assert some sort of control over that complete division..

Here's what I've read, from multiple sources and even things you've posted..

TTI retains the "RIGHTS" to the Ryobi NAME in these regions.... etc etc etc..

TTI will maintain the manufacturing and distribution for those regions... someone could write this same description about TTI and Ridgid.


Where has it said - TTI still retains OWNERSHIP of the Ryobi power tool division of these areas you're posting about??


Given the limited info, and specefic wording being presented in press releases - this is the impression I get. I might be 100% wrong on this, but usually things being written and presented in the media certain ways are for a reason..

As an example - The RIGHTS to the name "Trump" belong to Trump's business. The name "Trump" appears on many buildings.. "Trump" does not own or control all these buildings. He simply allows them to use the name to help attract business - in return for financial compensation. However to KEEP the name "Trump" on those buildings, the OWNERS must deliver and MAINTAIN a certain level of appearance, and fulfill certain expectation levels to customers - so the "Trump" label remains there, and that branding is not stripped from those businesses which would be a near death sentence.

Why is their deliberate vagueness in the explanations being given through press releases if "nothing changed"..

You are talking about a licensed name. Fashion designers do it all the time. This NOT what everybody is saying. That is not the situation here. Companies sell their name to be used only in certain areas. After that they have NOTHING to do with what goes on in those areas. The only residual part of the agreement is they cannot go back into those areas and compete with the people they sold the name to. A long time ago, Royobi of Japan sold their name to TTI for use in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. They have no say in any way shape or form as to what TTI does under the Royobi name in those areas. Royobi of Japan did not sell their Royobi tool division rights for Japan the rest of Asia and Africa until now. They sold those remaining rights to Kyocera, who is known in North America for ceramic knives and copy machines. Kyocera cannot sell Royobi branded tools in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand because Royobi of Japan had already sold them to TTI. Kyocera may move into those areas with power tools but under Kyocera or some other brand name. You cannot sell the same thing to more than one party, it is a felony. Watch the movie, The Producers. This regional selling of a name is common in the beer industry.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[American Locomotive]

What can I tell you - google, and read what's out there, not just one article.. or a single press release.

So what you're telling me is Ryobi is gonna have two completely different power tool lines. One set of tools for here, and a completely different line of Ryobi tools in the Asian market, nothing like what is here... Correct?

You're still not getting it. Ryobi Japan divested itself of its NA, EU and AU power tool operations. It's two completely different companies that share the same brand.

 

[bob15]

This is directly off Ryobi Group's website, maybe this will help you understand what happened.

Information
< back
Notes regarding the Transfer of the Power Tools Business for Consumers
In line with its previous announcement on October 31, 2017 (Japan time), Ryobi Limited executed a company split on January 10, 2018, on that date establishing a new company that has assumed its power tools business and transferring 80% of Ryobi's shares in the new company to Kyocera Corporation.

Going forward, the new company will operate the power tools business as a member of the Kyocera Group.

As the new company took over all Ryobi's operations related to power tools, including manufacturing, marketing and such after-sales services as maintenance and repair, consumers are asked to directly contact the new company if they have queries regarding power tools.

Outline of the new company
Company name: KYOCERA Industrial Tools Corporation
Headquarters: 762, Mesaki-cho, Fuchu-shi, Hiroshima-ken, Japan
URL: http://www.kyocera-industrialtools.co.jp/english/



(Ryobi brand power tools sold in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, will remain available in these regions, with Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company that has no capital relationship with Ryobi, continuing as the manufacturer and distributor of these products.)

Attention consumers of Ryobi-brand products
in NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

Ryobi-brand power tools and lawn and garden equipment are sold, distributed and serviced in the countries/areas listed below through third-party licensees of the Ryobi® trademark. Click on the following links for further information :

NORTH AMERICA (U.S.A. and Canada)

EUROPE

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

 

[kythri]

You are talking about a licensed name. Fashion designers do it all the time. This NOT what everybody is saying. That is not the situation here. Companies sell their name to be used only in certain areas. After that they have NOTHING to do with what goes on in those areas. The only residual part of the agreement is they cannot go back into those areas and compete with the people they sold the name to. A long time ago, Royobi of Japan sold their name to TTI for use in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. They have no say in any way shape or form as to what TTI does under the Royobi name in those areas. Royobi of Japan did not sell their Royobi tool division rights for Japan the rest of Asia and Africa until now. They sold those remaining rights to Kyocera, who is known in North America for ceramic knives and copy machines. Kyocera cannot sell Royobi branded tools in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand because Royobi of Japan had already sold them to TTI. Kyocera may move into those areas with power tools but under Kyocera or some other brand name. You cannot sell the same thing to more than one party, it is a felony. Watch the movie, The Producers. This regional selling of a name is common in the beer industry.

Ryobi. NOT Royobi.

Ryobi Limited didn't sell the rights to Kyocera - they sold their entire Power Tools Division. Manufacturing assets, distribution network, etc. That division will be rebranded Kyocera, and Kyocera will stop using the Ryobi name after some contractually agreed-upon term. Ryobi, as part of the contract, won't spin up a new power tools division and start competing with Kyocera.

Very different situation than their sales of their former North American, European and Oceania market to TTI.

TTI didn't get designs/license to manufacture existing Ryobi stuff, TTI got the name and the market.

Kyocera gets everything except the name.

 

[kythri]

I am confused how a company can buy a majority share in a division that has just been sold off, and not be able to assert some sort of control over that complete division..

TTI is not part of the division that was purchased by Kyocera, because TTI is not part of Ryobi Limited, which sold their power tools division.

Where has it said - TTI still retains OWNERSHIP of the Ryobi power tool division of these areas you're posting about??

It hasn't been said, because it doesn't need said. TTI was never owned by Ryobi Limited, and TTI's power tool division was never part of Ryobi Limited.

So what you're telling me is Ryobi is gonna have two completely different power tool lines. One set of tools for here, and a completely different line of Ryobi tools in the Asian market, nothing like what is here... Correct?

Aside from the fact that, as mentioned:

You're still not getting it. Ryobi Japan divested itself of its NA, EU and AU power tool operations. It's two completely different companies that share the same brand.

Ryobi Limited = Ryobi Japan. Since 2000, a completely different power tool line - and a completely separate company, with no capital ties to TTI - than what Ryobi/TTI offers in North America (and later, Europe and Oceania).

Ryobi Limited never stopped selling power tools in Asia, and their line had zero overlap with what TTI was building under the same name.

 

[finn]

Kyrocera owns Senco, as part of a previous acquisition. They now bought manufacturing and engineering capabilities of the Japan / Asian Ryobi corporation.

They can now combine that technology with what they already possess from the previous Senco acquisition and enter any market they choose (eg theUS market), with the caveat that they cannot use the Ryobi name or trademark here.

People tend to confuse brand names with corporate structure when there are buyouts.

TTI manufactures TTI tools, to many different design specifications. which they market under many different brand names, such as Ryobi and Milwaukee, in many different markets.

Kyrocera has acquired a couple of companies which they will integrate and develop and sell power tools under some existing or new brand name.

They just can’t use the Ryobi brand name in our market, because they didn’t acquire that right.

 

[6PTsocket]

Kyrocera owns Senco, as part of a previous acquisition. They now bought manufacturing and engineering capabilities of the Japan / Asian Ryobi corporation.

They can now combine that technology with what they already possess from the previous Senco acquisition and enter any market they choose (eg theUS market), with the caveat that they cannot use the Ryobi name or trademark here.

People tend to confuse brand names with corporate structure when there are buyouts.

TTI manufactures TTI tools, to many different design specifications. which they market under many different brand names, such as Ryobi and Milwaukee, in many different markets.

Kyrocera has acquired a couple of companies which they will integrate and develop and sell power tools under some existing or new brand name.

They just can’t use the Ryobi brand name in our market, because they didn’t acquire that right.

Just to stir the pot even further, TTI has the orange Ridgid line made in China for HD but the Ridgid name is the property of Emerson Electric, that has long been known for making the red Ridgid plumbing tools that are sold everywhere and have nothing to do with TTI.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[kctyphoon]

So where can I see the Ryobi Japan line of power tools? Can't even find images of them.. Only thing that turned up (and it's not like I spent an hour looking) is a guy claiming they were rebranded Dewalt in different colors, but the images must not be hosted anymore to view.

 

[bob15]

So where can I see the Ryobi Japan line of power tools? Can't even find images of them.. Only thing that turned up (and it's not like I spent an hour looking) is a guy claiming they were rebranded Dewalt in different colors, but the images must not be hosted anymore to view.

Go here: http://www.kyocera-industrialtools.co.jp/english/#a02

Or click on the link in my previous post

 

[Stuey]

What can I tell you - google, and read what's out there, not just one article.. or a single press release.

So what you're telling me is Ryobi is gonna have two completely different power tool lines. One set of tools for here, and a completely different line of Ryobi tools in the Asian market, nothing like what is here... Correct?

Exactly.

The Ryobi we know here in North America? No change. Ryobi in Asia? New ownership.

TTI owns the Ryobi brand in USA, North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. That hasn't changed at all. And in my opinion, it never will.

 

[Sco Deac]

Names are names and the rights to use the name can be sold or licensed even for different geographic regions. As an example I think everyone here understands is what may soon happen with “Craftsman”. We know SBD bought the brand and will be distributing/making/sourcing most of the new “Craftsman” tools we see. In the deal, Sears still has rights for a period of time to source and sell “Craftsman”. There could be 2 companies selling unrelated and dissimilar “Craftsman” ratchets in the same shopping center.

The Ryobi situation is similar

 

[tarbellb]

Go here: http://www.kyocera-industrialtools.co.jp/english/#a02

Or click on the link in my previous post

Meh, doesnt look like we are missing much. Ryobi is a bargain brand there too.

 

[finn]

What can I tell you - google, and read what's out there, not just one article.. or a single press release.

So what you're telling me is Ryobi is gonna have two completely different power tool lines. One set of tools for here, and a completely different line of Ryobi tools in the Asian market, nothing like what is here... Correct?

Not correct.

TTI has several power tool lines. Among the TTI power tool lines is one called Ryobi, which is marketed in the United States.

Kyrocera now has a couple of power tool lines, among them is one called Ryobi. The Kyrocera line called Ryobi is marketed in Japan, the Far East, and Africa, but not in the United States.

 

[kythri]

Kyocera. Only a single R.

And, considering that they've already named the new company (the former Ryobi Power Tools Division) Kyocera Industrial Tools Corporation, they'll likely transition away from the Ryobi brand name.