Ransomes and Jacobsen tie up deals both sides of the pond!

Jacobsen, the US sister company of Ransomes Jacobsen in the UK, has reached a 10-year agreement with The PGA of America to serve as the Official turf equipment supplier to The PGA of America and Exclusive turf equipment supplier to PGA Golf Properties. Jacobsen and Ransomes Jacobsen are Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) companies.

This follows the signing of a similar arrangement in the UK last year which saw The Professional Golfers' Association sign a three-year agreement with Ransomes Jacobsen, where the Ipswich-based turf equipment manufacturer became the Official supplier of turf care equipment to the PGA.

Commenting on the US agreement Roger Warren, president of The PGA of America said,
"For 85 years, Jacobsen has demonstrated innovative breakthroughs in equipment that cares for fine turf. As we renovate our golf courses at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and prepare Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., for the 2008 Ryder Cup, Jacobsen turf equipment will play a key role in defining the look of these marquee PGA properties."

"What a coup!" said David Withers, Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen. "Last year we announced our agreement over here, and now this news has broken. To have Official Supplier status to the PGAs on both sides of the pond is a truly remarkable achievement and demonstrates the huge strides that the Jacobsen brand is making in the world of golf."

Founded in 1916, The PGA of America is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the game of golf, while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.