Gibson Acquires Garrison Guitars

Gibson Acquires Garrison Guitars

(7/6/2007)

On July 3, Gibson Guitar announced its acquisition of Garrison Guitars, the guitar maker based in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. As a result of the deal, Gibson will now offer a new series of Gibson-brand acoustic guitars aimed at the median price point to be introduced at Summer NAMM in Austin, July 27-29.

Terms of the acquisition were not announced by either company, both of which are privately held.

Garrison Guitars are crafted using the Griffiths Active Bracing System, a revolutionary method of guitar construction that took over six years to perfect. The single-unit injection-molded brace combines all the acoustic guitar's top braces into a single piece and allows for the resonance to have an uninterrupted path of travel throughout the instrument and provides enhanced structural stability. Offering a range of instruments in all price points, the G Series features all solid woods, hardshell cases, bolt-on necks and UV finishes in a variety of wood combinations. The AG Series offers an affordable line using the patented bracing system technology. The company also manufactures all-solid-wood mandolins and mandolas in its 20,000 square foot facility in Newfoundland.

According to Gibson, the acquisition allows for the company to offer players “the best acoustic guitar in every major price point.” The company's portfolio includes Gibson Acoustic guitars built in Bozeman, Mont., imported Epiphone acoustic guitars, and Garrison acoustic guitars. The company plans on shipping the new Garrison acoustic guitars by August of 2007 and the models will be Gibson-branded.

"We are very excited about the recent acquisition of Garrison Guitars and welcome the entire Garrison family to ours," said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. "This strategic move will give our consumers several new offerings of Gibson acoustic guitars in a price ranges which also provide quality, craftsmanship, and sound that only a true Gibson acoustic guitar can offer. We will continue to work with its founder, Chris Griffiths, and expect the popularity of these acoustic guitars to have many musicians worldwide striking a new chord."

"My co-workers and I are extremely excited about our new beginning as the newest edition to the Gibson family of brands,” said Chris Griffiths, Garrison’s founder. “Being a part of Gibson allows us to do so much more than we could have achieved on our own. Furthermore, Gibson's reputation for strong community involvement and the expansion and new job creation is sure to impress everyone here in St. John's, who have supported us so well over the years.”

The Garrison factory is being retrofitted to produce the new Gibson guitar models and will create over 40 new permanent full-time positions to keep up with the demand. Gibson is also investing in new equipment and technologies so that further expansion, which is anticipated, can be considered at the location.


MMR Update July 6, 2007