I think we've done the rounds about the relationship between Ryobi and
Performance Pro over and over again. However today when I popped into
the local shed to buy some stuff, the displays of the Ryobi and PP tools
were next to each other. Mostly the two ranges are difficult to
distinguish, but the PP range appears to have more than one supplier.

The battery types for the PP range varies, I could spot at least three
types of 18V battery with mutually incompatible connectors. The Ryobi
18V range all use the same battery and charger.

What was interesting is that one of the PP batteries (which fits the PP
tools that I have) is identical to the Ryobi 18V battery, with one small
detail change. The connector on the PP is 180 degrees reversed from the
design of the Ryobi. Other than that the two designs fit each other. The
PP batteries fit the Ryobi charger and vice versa. Sadly the Ryobi
batteries won't fit the PP tools because the body of the battery is 180
degrees out of alignment with the tool.

Ryobi saw blades fit the PP tools however, and as I mentioned before
it's possible to see a "Ryobi" marking on the motor of one of the PP
tools I own, so some other spares may be interchangeable. B&Q continue
with their policy of offering a tool for a few weeks then dropping all
support including spare batteries, chargers and blades. I wonder WTF the
managers of the store are smoking.