Gear4music (Holdings) plc
In December 2016 Music Trades estimated the global music products markets in 2015 to be $16.2 billion.
The top 10 European retail markets for musical instruments and music equipment (including the UK) are worth approximately £4.3 billion, and are undergoing a profound shift towards online retail.
Top European Markets | |
Country | Estimated Market Size (£m)* |
Germany | 1,194 |
France | 863 |
UK | 749 |
Italy | 578 |
Netherlands | 202 |
Austria | 181 |
Spain | 166 |
Switzerland | 142 |
Sweden | 107 |
Norway | 83 |
Total Size | 4,265 |
* = Management estimate
Approximately £178 million of the UK market is already online, and the top six UK companies account for an estimated 16%.
The Board believes that the current dynamics of the UK competitive landscape, in particular the significant degree of fragmentation with no large or dominant retailers, presents a consolidation opportunity. Whilst acquisitions do not form a core part of the current strategy, opportunities will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis.
A survey conducted by Nexus Research in 2014 on behalf of the charity ‘Music for All’ suggested: