What happens to a warranty (on installed windows) when the manufacturer is purchased by another company?
Dave R asked:
The home we purchased has several double-hung vinyl windows made by a manufacturer named Repco, which was bought by another company, Northern Building Supplies. Despite their website’s claim that Repco is now “under the leadership” of their company, they told me that they are refusing to honor the warranty (20 years) for several windows which have had broken seals and now have condensation between the glass panes.
The home we purchased has several double-hung vinyl windows made by a manufacturer named Repco, which was bought by another company, Northern Building Supplies. Despite their website’s claim that Repco is now “under the leadership” of their company, they told me that they are refusing to honor the warranty (20 years) for several windows which have had broken seals and now have condensation between the glass panes.
Can they do this? I thought that when a company purchased another company, they assumed all the same rights and responsibilities of that company.
Alecia
April 1st, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Lanora
Really depends whether the company wants to uphold the warranty or not.
They’re not legally bound to do so.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:44 am
Leif
I think it depends if the original company went bankrupt. If that company went bankrupt before it was purchased that could wipe out all the warranties.
I think the dept. you want to contact is your state’s attorney general’s office. They deal with regulating companies and handle a variety of consumer complaints and/or bad practices by companies.
If the company was simply bought out then they assume the liabilities as well as the assets.
Good Luck.