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SP & S acquire R Smith & Co

In a joint statement today the Directors of Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd. (SP&S) and R Smith & Co stated that they are delighted to have signed an agreement whereby SP&S will acquire the entire share capital of R Smith & Co, and therefore the company, with effect from 14^th July 2004. Geoffrey & Michael Brand will step down as Chairman and Managing Director respectively, the make-up of the new board being announced shortly.

Trevor Caffull, Managing Director of SP&S said “This is a momentous day for SP&S, and marks a very significant step in the Strategic plan for our business. R Smith & Co is of course a household name in brass band publishing circles, and although it no longer publishes its own titles, the company is still a force in the distribution of brass music. More importantly though, is the company’s very strong position as a distributor of music for Wind and other ensembles. It is this that holds the key to our decision to acquire the business. R Smith has an established network of distribution channels that mean it is an excellent business proposition as it stands, and we will seek to continue the excellent service provided by the company to its customers over the years. However, we are also very excited about the prospect of introducing transcribed SA music into the world of Wind and Concert bands, which we believe will be very receptive to the introduction of this repertoire. We will be retaining the trading name of R Smith & Co that is so strong in its market and see continuity of the business through this change as vital for its success. We are therefore delighted that Ken Kendall will continue with the company – he is of course very well known to the existing customer base and we see his experience and skills as vital and essential to the future of the business.”

Michael Brand, Managing Director of R Smith & Co said “The decision to sell the company will enable us to expand our publishing interests which now range from music publishing through  G & M Brand Publications and Violet Brand’s spelling books through Brandbooks. Distribution of the G & M Brand music catalogue (except in North America) with its outstanding Concert Band repertoire and the R Smith brass band catalogue will continue through R Smith under its new owners.

We would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty and support. As publishers we shall remain in touch with all aspects of music making and our composers will be unaffected by the change. We would also like to thank our staff, and in particular Ken Kendall for his outstanding service. We are delighted that he will remain with R Smith & Co to be part of the exciting times ahead.”

Chairman of R Smith & Co, Geoffrey Brand, went on to say “We have owned R Smith & Co since 1967 when many will remember the company traded from 210 The Strand, purely as brass band publishers. Since then the company has expanded enormously, but since 1992 has concentrated solely on distribution and become a leading educational music supplier. By retaining our publishing interests we look forward to our continued contact with composers and involvement in music making throughout the world.”

Trevor Caffull concluded by commenting: “SP&S holds a unique place in the brass band (and now concert band) world through which it is able to carry out its commercial activities and further its mission of musical evangelism. This latest exciting development will further ensure the success of our work in both regards as we seek to continue the development of our strategy for growth.”