JAN. 9 I KHS, HOHNER I ACQUISITION
KHS America Acquires Hohner Inc. USA
KHS America has announced plans to acquire Hohner Inc. from Matth. Hohner GmbH in Trossingen, Germany. Hohner is the exclusive North American provider of Hohner branded harmonicas, accordions, melodicas, guitars and bluegrass instruments as well as Sonor Drums and Orff Instruments, Lanikai and Kohala Ukuleles, H. Jimenez guitars, Hohner Airboard, Hohner Kids and Greentones children's instrument brands. Transfer of ownership will take place on Jan. 12.

By integrating these Hohner brands with KHS America brands — such as Jupiter Wind Instruments, XO Professional Brass, Mapex Drums, Majestic Concert Percussion, Hercules Stands and Altus Professional Flutes — the new KHS America will be positioned to provide a portfolio of musical instrument brands and accessories that is second to none.

"We're very excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates for KHS and Hohner brands," said Tabor Stamper, president of KHS America. "Both the collections of brands and the teams that manage them complement each other in almost every way. Although it will take time to fully integrate the two companies, we look forward to this process and we're extremely confident that the combined brand strengths and team talents will result in continued growth and enhanced business value for our retail partners."

"We, at Hohner, are equally excited about this opportunity for both our companies," said Clay Edwards, president of Hohner. "Together, we can do more for our dealers and consumers, as well as the advocacy and growth of music education, than either of us could have done alone."

For the time being, retailers should continue doing business with both companies as normal. However, KHS America will begin working immediately to integrate the teams and business processes with the long-term goal of combined operations in one facility.

khsmusic.com; playhohner.com