There has been no indication as to what UK distribution arrangements will be put in place for the four Harman brands in the long-term, but negotiations with the manufacturers have been ongoing and an announcement is expected from Arbiter within the next few days.
The Pro Audio division was a subsidiary company of Arbiter Group plc and handled the exclusive distribution in the UK and Eire of the product ranges of AKG, JBL Professional, dbx Professional and Powersoft - all Harman-owned brands. With these products as key building blocks, the division began to develop an integrated audio package for the pro audio markets and had been involved in some high profile venue installations in recent months, including the recent refit of the Ministry of Sound in London.
Meanwhile, Arbiter has issued a press statement outlining the restructure of its MI and Consumer Divisions. Its Guitar and Amp Division, distributing leading brands such as Fender and Squire, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. The Consumer Division, concentrating primarily in the karaoke market, has been de-merged into a separate company, Arbiter Entertainment Limited.
The remaining divisions within the Group, say Arbiter, will be integrated into a highly focussed musical instrument distribution business with three clear areas: Percussion, which distributes brands including Sabian, Kaman, Vic Firth, Latin and Remo; Music Technology, which distributes brands including Steinberg, Fatar, Echo and Akai, and Band Instruments & Accessories, which distributes brands including Leblanc, Vito, Holton and Rock Bag.
Chairman Ivor Arbiter, who retiring from the company as part of the wider restructure, said: "After 60 pioneering years in the music industry, I have decided to spend more time with my wife, family and friends. I wish my many friends and associates good health, prosperity and happiness within the industry that has meant so very much to me."
Managing director Andrew Landesberg commented: "I am delighted with the results of our restructure which has recognized the differing needs between our consumer and musical instruments businesses. The correct infrastructures have now been put in place to develop both businesses to their maximum potential."
(Ruth Rossington)
