3T Cycling Srl (3T) and THM Carbones GmbH (THM) have joined forces. Italy-based 3T will purchase all shares of German-based THM from its founder Thomas Mertin.
3T is a global leader in road and mountain 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.
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 THM's facility in Alt Duvenstedt, Germany.
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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, said: “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 said: “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’s 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, Mertin will focus on the technical development, whereas Wiertz takes on the CEO role for both 3T and THM.
