Hardy & Greys is up for sale. The world’s most famous tackle company is seeking a new owner “following a strategic review of the business that has identified major investment in export markets as the key to its continuing success”, a statement issued last night said.

Harris & Sheldon, of which Hardy is a subsidiary, has instructed business advisors Grant Thornton to look for a potential buyer. It has been wholly-owned by the  private investment group for the past 45 years. But Harris & Sheldon’s owner is nearing retirement and is looking to sell all his manufacturing interests.

Hardy’s has been based in Alnwick, Northumberland, since its formation in 1872.  It became Hardy & Greys in 2004. The change of name followed its takeover of Greys, and later it acquired Chub too. This gave it coverage in all branches of the sport, from sea and coarse to game and carp. It also set up subsidiaries in the US and Germany that have gone on to become key markets.