When Guitar Center acquired AVDG late in 2017, it surprised a whole lot of people in the pro AV space—and created a multi-billion behemoth for competitors to closely monitor.
While Guitar Center’s acquisition of Tunnel Vision Technology Inc (TVTI) may not be quite as big of a surprise to the pro AV world, it’s a deal that proves the music instrument retail giant is in the integration world to stay and shouldn’t be dismissed or ignored.
“For the last year, Guitar Center has been looking to bring in unique and trusted design and system integration firms that are seeking a like-minded strategic business partner focused on the opportunities in the B2B integration sector,” said Guitar Center VP of business solutions Doug Carnell in the joint announcement.
“With TVTI, we have found such a firm.”
TVTI Acquisition Details
The TVTI acquisition “further exemplifies [Guitar Center]’s ongoing commitment to growth and expansion in the coming years,” according to the announcement.
With the addition of TVTI, Guitar Center’s business solutions group will now offer system design and integration services to commercial and residential customers in the Midwest. [related]
“We are glad to be part of the Guitar Center organization and look forward to help grow the business solutions group,” said TVTI president David Welles in the joint announcement.
“TVTI has always based our business on providing our clients with the right advice, the right products, the right pricing and unparalleled customer service. Doug and the business solutions group share that philosophy, and working closely together we will be able to broaden our approach to these goals. It’s a win-win situation for everyone,” he said.
Founded in 1999, and with offices in Chicago and Bannockburn, Ill., TVTI has more than 35 employees who offer in-house project management, AV design, installation, programming, IT and 24-hour service.
“The business solutions group is a cornerstone of our current strategic plan to grow Guitar Center’s B2B services,” said Guitar Center CEO Ron Japinga in the joint announcement.
“Business-to-business has always been an important sector for GC, and our current model, including the recent acquisition of AVDG, provides a highly bolstered set of resources and boots on the ground as we partner with established firms nationwide.
“We are excited to add TVTI to this roster, and we are continuing to look at other opportunities in key markets,” he said.
