From Mr. Thomas' reply, I gather the Docker's brand and plant have been purchased, and not AC itself. Previous posts have indicated "AC" was owned by Mr. Price. To, as you say, end this--either confirm or deny or state you don't know.
BTW, Brent has only been talking about the ownership of "AC" itself.
Obviously, you can try to divert the discussion away by talking about folk's perceived motives, but given the statements, it would be nice for the readers here if a clear answer were to be given, without the political BS.
Now, it could very well be that Jim is in the process of getting the "AC" label itself...I'm certainly not privy to that, nor, does it seem, is anybody else--at this time!
What's the difference? Ask BMW and Volkswagen about RR and Bentley.