Fender Musical Instruments Corp. to Acquire Kaman Music Corp.

Press release
Source: FMIC

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced today that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Kaman Music Corporation (KMC). FMIC agreed to purchase Kaman Music Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of parent company Kaman Corp. (NASDAQ-GM: KAMN) for approximately $117 million in cash, subject to specified post-closing purchase price adjustments. Closing is expected to occur prior to January 1, 2008.

Kaman Music Corp. is the preeminent independent U.S. distributor of musical instruments and accessories, offering more than 20,000 products for amateurs and professionals. KMC owns Ovation Guitars, LP and Toca hand percussion products, Gibraltar Hardware, Genz Benz Amplification, Hamer Guitars, and is the exclusive U.S. sales representative for Sabian Cymbals, and exclusive worldwide distributor of Takamine Guitars and Gretsch Drums.

“We are delighted to welcome the Kaman Music Corporation into the Fender Family,” said Bill Mendello, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fender Musical Instruments Corp. “KMC is one of the most respected companies in the musical instrument industry. We have very similar cultures that have been developed over many years. The distribution expertise that Kaman Music brings to the music marketplace will complement and strengthen FMIC’s service to its dealers and consumers.”

Kaman Music Corporation will continue to be led by current President, Edward Miller. Miller has 35 years of experience with Kaman, having joined the company in 1972 and later serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed President of Kaman Music Corp. in June of 2007.

“There is great synergy between Kaman Music and Fender, both of which are deeply rooted in the long history and colorful culture of popular music,” said Edward Miller, president of Kaman Music Corporation. “The acquisition of Kaman Music by Fender forms the most dynamic partnership in the music industry. I believe that our collective customers will benefit greatly from this combination.”

Commenting on the announcement, Matt Janopaul, President and Chief Operating Officer of FMIC said, “FMIC is a proven steward of great brands, and the acquisition of KMC is consistent with this long-term growth strategy. We have great respect for what KMC’s seasoned management team has accomplished over the past forty plus years. This is an amazing company that today under Ed Miller’s leadership has numerous opportunities both domestically and internationally. We look forward to providing KMC with the resources to accomplish these goals.”

Fender was advised by the law firm, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Kaman was advised by Lazard and the law firm, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP.

About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation:
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, SWR®, EVH®, Tacoma®, Olympia® and Brand X®. For more information, visit www.fender.com.

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