Today the merger between two of Australia’s largest music companies was announced.
Allans Music Group (which includes Allans Music retail and online stores) and the Australian Music Group (which includes Billy Hude Music retail and online stores) will now be "Allans Music + Billy Hyde", with that branding on each store, commencing immediately.The merger will also include Australian Music Ggroup's wholesale business, Musiclink, Musiclink Orchestral Supplies, Intermusic Distribution, Billy Hyde Imports and Billy Hyde Stage Systems.
There will be a total of 30 stores employing 580 people across Australia with the new branding.
Allans Music goes back to the 1850s when Joseph Wilkie and George Allan set up a music warehouse in Collins Street, Melbourne. It was the site of famed opera singer Dame Nellie Melba's first music lessons.
The Australian Music Groups retail arm, Billy Hyde Music was founded in 1962 by Billy Hyde. Hyde was a drummer as far back as the 30s and from his humble beginnings as a shopkeeper, his company expanded into the largest music retailer in Australia with 20 stores Australia wide.
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