Nine months after its acquisition by Fondations Capital, Buffet Group has completed the acquisition of B&S GmbH, the leading German brass instrument manufacturer.

Huge boost

The reported €10 million acquisition of the 250 year family company that enjoyed revenues of around €12 million in 2012, gives Buffett a huge boost in manufacturing capability by securing the company’s complete range of brass instruments.

B&S GmbH produces four high profile prestige brands of B&S, Melton Meinl Weston, Hans Hoyer and Scherzer at its operation base in Markneukirchen, Saxony, with particular expertise and renown in the production of premier level tubas, euphonia and French horns.

Increase

Buffet Group hopes that the products will significantly increase the scope of its brass instrument portfolio alongside its growing woodwind production, by strengthening its presence in Germany and Austria, as well as the all important European market place.

B&S products will now be sold through Buffet Group’s own international distribution network.

German workforce

Buffet Group employs a 750 strong workforce, half of whom are located in Germany, whilst the acquisition sees the family office of the Duval-Fleury and Corneau families becoming shareholders.

Gerhard Meinl, the main shareholder and former CEO of B&S GmbH, has joined the supervisory board as a non executive senior advisor.

Leadership

Xavier Marin, CEO of Fondations Capital told 4BR: "This acquisition is a major step to consolidate Buffet Group’s market leadership while maintaining the reputation of excellence of its musical instruments.

Buffet Group is transforming itself into a truly European company with Germany now accounting for half of our workforce. We are delighted to welcome Gerhard Meinl to the supervisory board with his outstanding knowledge of the music industry. He represents the seventh generation of family expertise of the company."

The acquisition of B&S strengthens Buffet Group’s position as the global leader in brass and wind instruments Antoine Beaussant, CEO of Buffet Group

Strengthen

In response, Antoine Beaussant, CEO of Buffet Group told 4BR: "The acquisition of B&S strengthens Buffet Group’s position as the global leader in brass and wind instruments.

It will bring 250 years of expertise and world class reputation in brass instrument manufacturing. B&S is our fifth acquisition in the past four years and we are very proud to continue to write our ‘Rhapsody for talents’ with four more brands."

Delighted

Isabelle Ginestet-Naudin, DGD of CDC Entreprises, declared: "This second acquisition in Germany since our first investment in Buffet Group in 2010, confirms the growth potential of the company. We are delighted to take part in the emergence of a world class leader in the music instrument industry."

Video

An official video link of the acquisition can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/DKNhCJyaISM