
Chicago, IL (Top40 Charts/ Reverb Music, LLC) - Reverb Music, LLC has finalized its acquisition of
Chicago Music Exchange, a retailer specializing in new/used and vintage guitars and amplifiers, in a private transaction. Following the acquisition,
Chicago Music Exchange will continue to operate in the same location to preserve its successful brand and passionate community.
The acquisition combines two decades of success in the retail music business with Reverb's depth of capital, leadership experience, and online strategy. The new ownership will focus on improving the experience for the collectors, musicians and fans that make up its current customer base, and offering new opportunities for partnerships to reach new audiences.
"I'm thrilled to have met David Kalt, now the owner of Chicago Music Exchange, who is as passionate about guitars as I am and who can continue the tradition of quality and excellence that I started in 1990," said Scott Silver, former CEO of Chicago Music Exchange. "I have no doubt this will be good for our customers all over the world."
"Over the last 20 years, Chicago Music Exchange has evolved into one of the premier vintage guitar and amp stores in the country, now a must-see destination for collectors, musicians, and fans," said David Kalt, CEO Reverb Music. "We want to take it to the next level in terms of product offering, customer experience, and business channels."
"This store has played a vital role in changing the way that people buy, sell, and trade guitars, creating its own culture. I have been a customer for years in part because of the wow factor when you are inside the store. I admire Scott for creating that," said Kalt.
In this acquisition by Reverb Music comes the business and technology leadership to deliver a more efficient business. Kalt's vision includes a market making approach developed over years in the financial industry, bringing price transparency to consumers and creating markets for players and collectors in real time. Kalt added, "Our companies share similar values; we both always put our customers first and are committed to innovating to improve their experience."