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<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>The following press release that has come my way might be of interest to readers on this list:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:20.0pt'>Dutch Royal Bell Foundries to join forces</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN-US>As from May 1st 2014, Royal Eijsbouts from Asten and Royal Petit & Fritsen from Aarle-Rixtel will join forces and head towards the future together. This step was chosen as being the best answer to challenges both companies are facing. In the case of Petit & Fritsen, a succession issue is imminent, whereas Royal Eijsbouts has the ambition to further strengthen and extend its position in international markets. This acquisition will meet both aspects. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN-US>In practice, this decision means that all operations of Petit & Fritsen in Aarle-Rixtel will be moved entirely to the plant of Royal Eijsbouts in Asten. Some employees will be offered an early retirement package, the others will join Royal Eijsbouts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN-US>The two companies are typical family-owned businesses and carry with them a long and illustrious history. Both Petit & Fritsen (since 1660) and Royal Eijsbouts (since 1872) attract customers from all around the world due to the outstanding quality of their church bells and carillons. This will not change as, even under the flag of Royal Eijsbouts, the Petit & Fritsen brand will live on and its distinctive bells will remain available to customers just as in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US>The management of both companies are very pleased to have reached consensus on this significant step that was carefully prepared in the past months. Both are convinced this will contribute to further secure the eminent position of the Netherlands in the world of cast bronze bells. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>
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