August 29, 2024 I Acquisition
MIRC Acquires Mighty Mite from Westheimer Corporation
MIRC has purchased Mighty Mite from Westheimer Corporation. Mighty Mite, a guitar parts company, was founded in the 1970s by Randy Zacuto. Westheimer gained ownership of the Mighty Mite trademark in 1982 and reintroduced the brand at The 1991 NAMM Show as a supplier of replacement guitar necks, bodies and other universal parts.
“We are excited to continue the 50-year track record of the Mighty Mite brand supplying the industry with quality replacement parts,” said Jason Gano, CEO of MIRC. “The brand dovetails nicely into our existing business of refurbishing instruments and will allow our customers easier access to the parts they need for repairs.”
The acquisition of Mighty Mite is a strategic move for MIRC, enhancing its ability to provide quality replacement parts and expanding product offerings. This acquisition will allow MIRC to better serve its customers, offering a comprehensive range of products for both repair and customization of guitars. MIRC has a reputation for excellence in the MI industry, providing top-quality refurbished guitars to retailers across the country. The addition of Mighty Mite’s extensive range of replacement parts will strengthen MIRC’s position as a one-stop shop for all guitar needs.
“We believe that integrating Mighty Mite’s products into our portfolio will provide significant value to our customers,” said Natalie Kyriakoudis, MIRC’s CFO. “This acquisition aligns with our commitment to quality and innovation, and we look forward to the opportunities it brings.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to share a little information about Mighty Mite and about this significant asset purchase,” said Laura Gabel, Westheimer Corporation’s CEO. “My father, Jack Westheimer founded Westheimer Corporation in 1959. Jack was a founding partner with Young Park in Cor-Tek and owned several manufacturing companies. Westheimer Corporation served as an importer and international distributor for proprietary brands such as Cort, Cortez, Groove Tools, Kingston, Harmony, Teisco and Mighty Mite just to name a few. Westheimer Corp. was awarded ownership of the Mighty Mite trademark in 1982. I officially joined Westheimer Corporation in 1989 to restart Mighty Mite. My MI family relationships were primarily guitar-focused, but Cor-Tek served an important role supplying all kinds of parts from the factory. We imported all we could to expand our inventory of replacement parts. Of greater significance is my relationship with the Park family. I’m grateful for all the years they served as our supplier and manufactured Fender Licensed Mighty Mite replacement necks. I am also thankful for our long-term relationship with Fender Musical Instrument Company as a privileged licensee to sell Fender replacement necks. Thank you FMIC, I have enjoyed my relationship with your legal team over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our employees, Kim and Tony who have been with Westheimer Corporation since 1989 and 1995, respectively. We could not be where we are today without their hard work and dedication. Frank Falbo, a former employee, continues to be a Mighty Mite consultant and fan. Thank you to all current and former employees, suppliers, customers, consultants and MI family, and all who helped build Mighty Mite into a successful brand. While we contemplated certain acquisitions, and at various junctions considered the sale of Mighty Mite, we chose to wait for the perfect fit. With all our history, I wanted to find a company who would honor our history and embrace our future for Mighty Mite. MIRC can provide a comprehensive resource for guitar builders from large OEM factories to luthiers. I have a great deal of respect for Natalie and Jason and believe they will shepherd the Mighty Mite brand forward with great passion, knowledge and integrity.”
