Fender Acquires Tacoma Guitars

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced today that its affiliate has just completed an agreement to purchase specific assets of the Tacoma, Washington-based Tacoma Guitar Company, Inc. The deal, effective as of October 7, 2004, includes the brand names Tacoma, Olympia, Orpheum and Papoose, as well as the company's Pacific Northwest manufacturing facility.

Contrary to the growing trend of U.S. manufacturers moving production to overseas entities, this move adds an additional facility to FMIC and its affiliate's United States manufacturing operations that will be focused solely on acoustic guitar production.

"We are fully dedicated to offering the finest possible American-made products," says Bill Schultz, Chairman & CEO of FMIC. "The Tacoma Guitar Company has a rich history here in the United States, and we at FMIC look forward to continuing its legacy."

The skilled staff based out of Tacoma, Washington will continue to build Tacoma brand products. The facility will also take over production of FMIC's storied Guild line of acoustic guitars, a transition that is already in progress.

FMIC and its affiliate will immediately begin to manufacture, market, sell and distribute Tacoma Guitar Company brands to its worldwide network of retail partners. Existing Tacoma Guitar Company retailers will begin to be contacted by FMIC Specialty Sales representatives to discuss the transition.