HATCO WAS SOLD TO AFFILIATE OF PRO EQUINE GROUP

It’s final, the deal has been done. HATCO, makers of Stetson, Resistol, Charlie 1 Horse, Wrangler, Dobbs Hats and Resistol Apparel was sold to an Affiliate of Pro Equine Group in June. Hatco is based in Garland, Texas.

Hatco, formally owned by a subsidiary of Arena Brands, Inc., makes authentic Western and dress headwear for men and women. The Resistol brand was established in 1927. The Stetson lore and history dates back to 1865.

The buyer (an affiliate of Pro Equine Group) currently makes products for rodeos, team and calf roping, cutting, reining horse, barrel racing and the ranching industry. Their holdings include Cactus Ropes, Heel-O-Matic Training Systems, Fast Back Ropes, Pro Equine Products and Cactus Saddlery.

There will be no internal changes at the Garland office and the company will retain its name, said Stan Redding, general manager of RHE Hatco.

The only changes, Redding said, will be in marketing strategy.

"You're going to see a vast increase in marketing media blitz. There'll be a much larger focus on our core grassroots customer as well as a customer that is outside the western industry,” he said.

There will be a new emphasis on dress headwear from the Stetson dress and Dobbs brands, he added.

Pro Equine (based in Pleasanton) manufactures protective legwear and related products for the protection and safety of equine investment.

Hatco is at 800-288-6579. www.resistolhat.com, www.stetsonhat.com and www.charlie1horse.com