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Well, in line with my earlier post on Weril, I came accross information indicating that the French woodwind maker Buffet Crampon has purchased Courtois of Paris. There is a press release on the Courtois web page. Courtois, as you all know, was most recently owned by JA Musik, the holding company that owns B&S/VMI, Meinl Weston, Hans Hoyer, Sternberg, and others.

Looks like the French wanted to liberate their company from German hands. Not quite, though, as it appears that JA will continue provide manufacturing support to Courtois. Now, we all know that those VMI, B&S, and Courtois euphoniums look verrry similar.

To make things a bit more interesting, there is some tidbit on the OTJF indicating a Buffet Crampon move to acquire Besson.

Alex "who should really be drafting a real estate contract" F.

Well, Buffet Crampon was sold last year by TMG to someone. Any idea who the someone is?

From the B/C website:

In 2003, Boosey & Hawkes withdrew from the famous French manufactory of instruments, and sold it to The Music Group.

In 2005, Buffet Crampon regained its independence under the supervision of the President Paul Baronnat, who is deeply committed to the accompaniment of the musicians and the protection of the brand.

I read that too, but someone had to pony up some long green for that. Any idea who the "silent partner" might be?

I can verify that it wasn't me. Other than that, my feeble knowledge base has been exhausted. Good question.