As negotiations over licensing come to an end it is announced that from next August, retailers will no longer be able to purchase locks under the Chubb brand.
Assa Abloy, who manufactures locks under the Chubb brand is giving early warning to DIY retailers that the 180 year old brand will be replaced with other leading brands from within the group for most locks and secondary security products.

The security specialist assured retailers that the locks will continue to be manufactured and readily available, and only the name will change from August 2010. The company also stressed that the products will use "the same technology, the same parts and will be manufactured by the same people in the same factories, to the same quality."

The news follows the end of negotiations over licensing agreements between Assa Abloy and UTC, the American multinational that owns the Chubb brand. UTC, which is well known for its fire safety and manned guarding business took the decision not to renew the agreement with Assa Abloy.

Assa Abloy also has a second licence for production under the Chubb brand, specifically for custodial products, which will not expire until 2100.

The agreements stop any other company manufacturing or selling locks under the Chubb brand. In addition, a number of patents and trademarks, including the bow design and product codes, are owned by Assa Abloy, meaning that competitors will be unable to market a Chubb 'look a like'.

The company is planning a full communications campaign to make sure all customers are kept fully up to date with progress on the transition from the Chubb brand and has launched a website www.chubb-at-heart.co.uk offering the latest news.

Assa Abloy's business development director Paul Browne, said of the development: "We know the Chubb name has a long tradition and loyal customer following so, in an ideal world, we would have continued with the brand, but we also understand UTC's decision. The two organisations have an amicable relationship and both want a smooth transition.

"...We are still finalising the details of which Chubb products will transition to which brands but expect to announce this shortly, ready to roll out in early to mid 2010, so there is no rush or confusion for customers."

He added: "In summary, although we recognise this will be a surprise for customers, the reality is that nothing will really change other than the name. There is no time limit on the sale of the Chubb branded locks and there is no need for retailers to remove Chubb signs or point of sale, although we will be developing attractive new materials as Chubb products migrate to their new brands."