Been talking to a Walthers rep today. Apparently they have -not- become the new owners of Rivarossi.
However, new products have started to flow from that company once again and they are booked to appear at the Jan 2004 Nurnberg Toy Show.
No knowledge about Lima, but said that most of what has been reported about the financial situation was complete garbage. (his thoughts, not any kind of official statement)
I can't vouch for the accuracy of his comments, but that's the situation as according to him.
Pete