kip - do you mean MTD? Modern Tool and Die? They're base out of Ohio and you are correct, they have seemingly acquired many brands - like Troy-Bilt and Ryobi, and they also produce stuff for brands like Toro and even Craftsman. Seems like they buy big brands and then put out cheap products, perhaps relying on the existing brand strength to sell them? Until people find out they are crap I suppose...

Info here -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTD_Products

I don't believe they own Stihl, however. Stihl is still an independent family-owned company based out of Germany. Which is, of course, why their chainsaws kick some serious sawdust (I've got an 036 Pro).

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon