 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-11-12 08:36
Before you all jump in with an answer - this question is not so simple as it seems!
I am well aware that Steinway own Conn-Selmer, and thus own Selmer USA. Selmer France, however, remain independent and French-owned.
I am also well aware that they bought Leblanc a year or two back. I had assumed this meant that they now own Leblanc France as well as Leblanc USA.
But on http://www.saxmaniax.com/snclarinet.htm#LeblancSN I read:
"Conn-Selmer bought GLeblanc USA corporation in 2005. They do not own Yanigasawa (they use Leblanc as a USA distributor. Nor do they own Leblanc Paris which also used them as a builder/distributor"
So is this correct? Are Leblanc France still an independent company? If so, where is their website?
Also - related question - who builds the new Leblanc/Backun instruments? Are they built in France and finished in Canada by Backun? Or are they a purely North American product?
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
Post Edited (2006-11-12 09:43)
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-11-12 12:01
Now that you ask I'm not sure if Leblanc France is independent or owned by Selmer USA or other
Yanagisawa lists G Leblanc USA as their agent / distributor
http://www.yanagisawasax.co.jp/en/about/agents/
per your quote from above
selmer paris is www.henri-selmer.com
but Leblanc France - can't find an independent website.
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
Post Edited (2006-11-12 12:11)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2006-11-12 12:15
I don't believe Leblanc was ever two separate companies ("France" and "USA") as was/is Selmer, which would imply that the conglomerate owns both sides of the house. Not 100% sure of this, though.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2006-11-12 12:42
I was told ages ago that Leblanc France was separate from USA.
but per http://www.gleblanc.com/history/index.cfm
"In April, 1989, Leblanc USA acquired majority interest in the esteemed French firm and assumed responsibility for its management."
I would have to assume from above that USA has the majority interest in France. Thus Selmer-Conn now has a majority interest in France. But that doesn't answer the entire question .. France could still be considered independent just majority owned by USA ?
Good question .. still trying to find the real answer
I'll try and remember to give Leblanc (Conn-Selmer) a call on Monday and see if they know unless someone here has the answer
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-11-12 15:50
Ages ago Vito Pascucci started up LeBlanc operation in Kenosha,Wisconsin USA under "partnership" with LeBlanc Paris. When Vito died a few years ago his son took over for awhile until ??? That's the extent of my understaning.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2006-11-13 12:46
BobD covers the relationship as I understood things - Vito expanded LeBlanc's sales dramatically through distribution. He introduced affordable instruments for beginning players, thereby creating a brand recognition in the youngest players (who have the longest potential purchasing cycle).
Some Vito stencilled saxophones were over-runs from the French Werks.
Low-cost operators constantly exert bottom line pressure, driving down costs where possible, hence the unfortunate influx of CSOs at Wally World, etal.
******
The Steinway/Conn-UMI consortium will probably leave the existing relationships intact.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-11-13 18:27
FWIW - My Sept 06 ICA Journal on its back cover ad for the Leblanc Legacy has, in fine print [bottom], "Conn-Selmer. Inc. A division of Steinway Musical Instruments,Inc. P O Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515 www.conn-selmer.com" . There are, of course, several [slick-paper] ads for Buffet , Orsi and Weir, Backun Musical Services LTD, [a 2-page and a 1-page] plus others. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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