Well I'm not sure how many Drummers or people who follow the drum industry troll here, but I figured I'd post a few tid bits of information I've come across about the two merges.
The first would be Vic Firth and Zildjian. I'm a little curious as to where this is going to go, I know I read somewhere Zildjian has always been keen on making good sticks, wondering if they're going to be looking to Vic Firth to help with that. Hoping to god they don't phase out the Vic Firth sticks, it's the only brand I use (and I absolutely refuse to use Ziljdian Sticks, they're awful!). Here's an e-mail that was sent out yesterday:
Quote (Zildjian's Email)
is my pleasure to announce that as of today, the world's leading cymbal manufacturer, the Avedis Zildjian Company, will merge with Vic Firth, the global market leader in drumsticks, effective immediately. Both of our New England-based, family-owned companies are well respected legacy brands in the music industry with a long tradition of product quality and innovation.
Zildjian is honored to join forces with the Vic Firth Company which has set the standard for drumsticks in the music industry. Similarities in our cultures and business philosophies, coupled with a shared dedication to product and service excellence, provide a strong foundation for the union of our two companies. Both companies will continue to run autonomously. In fact, our customers should notice no difference in the way business is conducted moving forward.
"I have the greatest respect for Zildjian," said Vic Firth, President, Vic Firth Company. "Our businesses share common values, a passion for manufacturing, and a similar approach to how we do business. This union represents a unique opportunity to leverage our respective leadership positions in the drumstick and cymbal categories. I look forward to years of growth and newfound success."
All of us at Zildjian and Vic Firth thank you for your continued support and wish you and your families a very happy holiday.
More information on this exciting merger is available at Zildjian.com.
Sincerely,
Craigie Zildjian
CEO
Avedis Zildjian Company
The other big merge would be D’Addario & Company Inc and Promark. I personally use Evans Heads so at first I was a little worried that the quality might change (having no idea what Promark was). After a bit of research it seems that Promark specializes in a number of things, including Sticks, Mallets, ect. I was pretty glad reading that, as I didn't want a couple of businessman fucking with my drum heads! Here's a bit from Evan's website (full article can be found here:
http://evansdrumheads.com/EvansNewsDetail.Page?ActiveId=2034&Id=942) Quote (Evans Website)
D’Addario & Company, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of strings for musical instruments as well as numerous other high-quality musical accessories, and Pro-Mark Corporation, manufacturer of first-class drumsticks, brushes, mallets and other percussion accessories, are close to finalizing the terms relating to D’Addario’s proposed purchase of the 53-year old drumstick company.
Anyway, very little is known about these 'merges' in regards to the circumstances. I've heard on a few other forums that in both cases, they were purchases/takeovers, not merges. If true (mainly in the Zildjian/Vic Firth 'merge') there could be huge changes to both companies/products. Seems kind of weird that all four of these major companies would be 'merging' on the same day.
Anyway, for those who care, discuss!