Klarinet Archive - Posting 000852.txt from 2003/02

From: "Kloc, Francois" <Francois.Kloc@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] RE: klarinet Digest 25 Feb 2003 09:15:00 -0000 Issue 4371
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 22:07:55 -0500

Dear List,
Below is the press release on the sale of Boosey & Hawkes. If you have =
any
questions please let me know.

=20

Musically Yours,

Francois Kloc
Manager of Woodwinds North America

February 2003=20

=20

For Immediate Release=20

=20

Major Music Industry Acquisition forms The Music Group=20

The Rutland Fund, a major UK investor, has joined forces with senior
management to purchase the Musical Instruments Division of Boosey & =
Hawkes
plc of London. A new company, "The Music Group Limited" has been formed =
to
affect the purchase. The completion of the sale of the Musical =
Instruments
Division is scheduled for February 28, 2003, and is conditional on
shareholder approval.=20

The Group comprises eight of the world's best-known manufacturers of =
band
and orchestral instruments and accessories: Besson (brass instruments),
Buffet Crampon (woodwinds), Karl H=F6fner (stringed instruments and =
guitars),
Julius Keilwerth (Saxophones), Roderich Paesold (stringed instruments =
and
bows), Rico International (reeds and accessories), W. Schreiber & =
S=F6hne
(woodwinds) and Jakob Winter (cases).=20

The Music Group's board of directors will include Michael Winter (CEO),
William Carpenter and Joachim Winter. The new corporate offices will be =
in
Nauheim, Germany, a city with a long tradition of musical instrument =
design
and manufacture.=20

Rutland invests in business opportunities where their active management
involvement can enhance operational performance and value. The new =
entity
will focus on the continuing success and development of its worldwide
brands. Nick Morrill, a Director of Rutland, is optimistic about the =
future
of the new company in the international music market and "looks forward =
to
helping management fulfill the Group's great potential."=20

The Music Group's companies offer a wide range of musical instruments =
and
accessories to players at all levels and for all musical styles. While
maintaining high quality standards, special emphasis is made on =
beginner
instruments that bring consumers into contact with products and =
prestigious
brands for the first time. Instruments and accessories are made =
according to
traditional craftsmanship in tandem with contemporary production =
methods.=20

In a major bid to support the Group's objectives and meet future =
demands,
Group companies have invested heavily in facilities and personnel to =
create
state-of-the-art production and distribution systems. In 2001, expanded
production capacity, warehousing facilities and sales and =
administration
offices were built. Whilst this significant reconfiguration has taken =
time
to settle, the improved efficiencies that have resulted will underpin =
the
Group's strategy to develop world markets.=20

Worldwide, The Music Group employs nearly 1400 people in 12 production =
and
distribution facilities. With a passionate commitment to the art of =
music
making, Group companies actively support a wide range of music-related
events including concerts, trade shows, clinics and master classes,
featuring its many renowned artists. This ongoing commitment to music
education throughout the world has long been recognized by musicians,
educators and the trade, and remains at the core of The Music Group's
strategy to increase it worldwide market share.=20

=20

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=20

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