I heard a rumor that approximately three months ago Athearn was bought out. I've been watching ConCor and now they are advertising for I.M., RoundHouse and others. I usually see these things as Tell Tales. They tell a tale but I'm not sure which one this time. What I suspect is: ConCor, RoundHouse (also Athearn) and I.M. have merged into a multi unit under one mother company. I suspect that Kader is now the Mother Company. What have we of all this? Is there anyone out there that can affirm or disavow?
Athearn is owned by Horizon hobby,con cor is gone the owner is retired or close ,IM is shipping their stuff.Thats what I heard?
From the Athearn website: "In 2004, Horizon Hobby, Inc. purchased Athearn and moved it into a state-of-the-art new facility in Carson, California. With the purchase of Model Die Casting, the launches of 1:50-scale precision die-cast products, the 4-6-6-4 Challenger with sound and other exciting new models, Athearn remains the railroad industry leader in quality and value." From the Horizon website: "An employee-owned company, Horizon employs nearly 700 people and sells products in more than 50 countries around the world. Corporate headquarters, along with the main distribution facility and product service center, are located in Champaign, Illinois. Additional distribution centers are located in Ontario, California; Harlow, England (site of Horizon Hobby UK Ltd.); and Elmshorn, Germany (site of Horizon Hobby Deutschland GmbH). California is also home to the Losi RC car division (Ontario) and the Athearn train line (Carson)." I don't see any mention of Kader, and it wouldn't fit with the statement that Horizon is an "employee-owned company."
That's what I thought...just a rumor. Thanks guys for your response. Rumor Control...it works now and then.
Does not sound true. whoever "bought" Athearn would have to buy it from Horizon first. Unless Horizon's been bought out (which is unlikely). But interesting to see how Intermountain has brought so many other companies under its brand as of late.
Rick: I thought you were interested in buying Athearn especially their "Challenger" and "Big Boy".:lightning::lightning:
Oh YES! That is the plan of attack. No doubt. Now, if we could all go in on purchasing the Athearn Company with each investor receiving a Challenger and Big Boy as a PERK, then count me in. No... this rumor started around a table at Carl's Jr., with our newest model rail nut announcing that Athearn had been sold in the last three months. I brought it back up today, throwing it into the mix that Horizon is the one that bought them and he jumped right on it....saying, "That's them, that's who bought them". Sorry folks, I didn't mean to give this rumor a world wide stage. Just a case of being misinformed with a bad time line.baffled:
Thats OK Rick, we understand. When you get snowed in and then let out of the cage time can become a misnomer.:tb-tongue:
You can also tell him to bet on the Patriots over the Panthers in the Super Bowl. He'll make a lot of money
He's betting on the Eagles beating the Cowboys. I think I'm set to make out pretty good on this one. LOL
Nah, that "newest model rail nut" is only off by a couple of years.......lol. To be honest, it's amazing when you think about the number of rumors out there. I wonder how this guy feels when he discovers that sale took place over 3 years ago?
Yep and Jim and his Wife are still hard at work everyday at Con Cor there in Tucson, I also say them there during a recent visit; and as busy as they appeared retirement didn't seem part of the scene.
This rumor may have started when Athearn moved their HQ from Dominguez Hills, CA to Long Beach, CA a few months ago (maybe a year tops). But they are still owned by Horizon. The new place is a nice facility by the Long Beach Airport but warehousing is all at Horizon in Ontario, CA and Illinois rather than right inside Athearn.
