See on facebook (Le Bivouac)

I will try to translate :
After thirty years devoted to the creation of METAL MODELES, it is time for me to take a step back. In the course of this year METAL MODELES will change owners, the new leaders will ensure the continuity of the production and marketing of the brand.
I would always be present, as principal sculptor, technical and artistic adviser.
When the time comes I will tell you how to continue to order and receive the METAL MODEL
Until further information orders by mail and phone will be at the same address.
We are pleased to offer you the new METAL MODELES as well as the achievements of the ATELIER MAKET and FIGURINITALY brand editors whose distribution in France.
It is almost a letter of goodbye written by a Gentleman of the Figurines Bruno LEIBOVITZ A page will turn ...

Unfortunate..energy inevitably ebbs..and tastes change..nothing to celebrate tho

The end of an era indeed. Good to see that Bruno will still be involved as sculptor and artistic director. He's one of the true greats of our art-form, long may we be fortunate to enjoy his work.

Hope the brand continues, the best 54s on the market.

It basically suck..full stop..but times are changing quickly..tastes..demands..must be very hard as the complete sculptor, makers etc to sustain it..and it’s not as tho anyone gets rich at it..if there is a lesson..it’s patronize the makers one likes..stay off eBay ..and for gods sake don’t buy recast crap

This is something I feared and should have been storing more of MM stuff , I might even quit modelling

Don’t..you do good stuff and add a bunch to everything..

This is a real kick in the head!!!!!!!
I had the opportunity to meet Bruno 2 years ago, he is an amazing man between the skill,talent and dedication to the art.
For pretty much one man to contribute so much to the hobby for so many years.
The reality is we get on in our life and we can only do so much, but he will still remain the principal sculptor.
FortunatelyI have enough MM to last me the rest of my days on the planet.

Paul

It is said that change is progress! For us old hands we have seen a lot of change over the years. With each passing year, we see change taking place in our hobby. Sad to see Bruno handing the reins over to someone else. Kudos to him for all his years of turning out some of the best Nappy 54mm on the market. Hope the new folks can have a seamless transition. Much Success to Bruno!

Terry Martin-Member of the Atlanta Military Figure Society of Atlanta, GA, USA

Amen. It's a change, indeed, but it doesn't sound as bad as some of the posted replies would tend to indicate. The company is changing hands, but will continue to produce. That's better than if the company were going away altogether, isn't it?

Prost!
Brad

Metal Modeles will continue to work, that's for sure... new pieces will arrive from the capable hands of Buno Leibovitz...

The problem is to read between the lines, and to know what it is going to be about the true role of Bruno, the soul of MM.

Really hope so !

Thank you for the good word Ivo.

I think Bruno has made the same experiences as other publishers of full figures:

The market is oversaturated, there are many new companies, who serve the changed tastes of customers differently - better? - the buyers also keep their money more together than in the past - and visiting trade fairs and events is less and less worthwhile, because much of the market today is handled via the Internet.

And don't forget the recasters - a more and more raising problem!

Many of those who are busy as firm owners and sculptors have considered leaving the entrepreneurial risk and concentrating on what they do best in the future: making beautiful figures!


Cheers

as you know I manage the brand FIGURINITALY and I'm informed about this situation since a long time being also involved in some way.

For sure the brands will continue for a long time... different organisation but same and better skill to satisfy the customer. I'm sure of that because I know very well the people involved

Right-o, everything will be good!

This thread sounds more like an epitaph.... It sounds to me like all is well and just a bunch of old timers wishing for no change. Well, I'm an old timer too. And to tell you the truth; I'm just at a point where I'm happy to see all the very impressive sculptures that are being produced now. But actually more then that; I can still enjoy the process of creativity by painting whatever I have in my stash whatever way I want to and don't have to impress anyone but myself. And that's what I strive for now that I'm no spring chicken.

Wayne

A phenomenal artist and a true gentleman.....takes a step back.Why does this sound so frustrating and sad?Usually these type of changes end up impoverishing our hobby.Mr Leibovitz you have created an entire universe for us.Cudos to you!!!!!

Oda.