End of the road for Frank Thomas?

Although Frank Thomas kit will continue to be available, with the buy-out of the brand name and stock by clothing retailer J&S Accessories concluded late last week, an industry insider has said he fears the name will quietly disappear once the firm’s current stock has been sold.

The Thomas Sports Group – which includes popular biking kit brands Frank Thomas, Motrax and BKS – was put into administration on January 27.

A statement from Ernst and Young last Friday stated it was bought by J&S in a deal that was sealed on February 16.

MCN’s industry insider told us: “Basically, warehouses of stock have been bought up so there will be a lot of cheap Frank Thomas gear available. But I’m pretty sure it’s the end of the line for these brands once the stock has been sold off.”

Despite numerous attempts, a spokesman for J&S Accessories declined to comment on plans for Frank Thomas, BKS and Motrax – including their continued manufacture.

BKS (Made to Measure) Ltd – a wholly separate company to the off-the-peg BKS brand previously run by the Thomas Group, is unaffected.

Owner Brian Sansom said: “We’ve just received a big order for the Met Police, who have about 800 police motorcyclists. We have very healthy order books, and we’re taking on new staff.”