Harman Professional Solutions has announced it has consolidated distribution of AKG, BSS, Crown, dbx, Lexicon, JBL and Soundcraft solutions in Australia by strengthening its ties with long-time distribution partners AV Technology (avt) and CMI Music & Audio (CMI)

This announcement follows a strategic review by former distributor Jands, which resulted in an internal restructure designed to better align the organisation to the strategies and product roadmaps of its key suppliers. As part of this process Jands also undertook a strategic review of its key supplier relationships to ensure that the company is truly aligning with partners who have similar strengths and strategic vision.

As a result of this review, and due to diverging priorities and strategic direction between both parties, Jands determined it will no longer represent Harman Professional Solutions in the Australia territory. By mutual agreement with Harman, support, warranty and repair of Harman Professional products in Australia will transition to avt and CMI on 1 February 2018. Warranty terms and inclusions will not be affected.

Avt will expand its portfolio to include the complete Harman integration and installation audio product suite, while CMI will represent the retail, recording and prosumer audio, as well as current Harman portfolio, including Digitech and Axys Tunnel Solutions.

All other Harman distribution in Australia and New Zealand remains unchanged.

“At the conclusion of an extensive review process, we identified reducing complexity and taking a solutions-driven approach as fundamental processes for improving customer experience,” says Harman Professional Solutions APAC vice president and general manager Ramesh Jayaraman

“The new distribution model leverages over 60 years of collective experience between avt and CMI in the Australian market, and will provide customers greater clarity through simplified sales and support structures. Delivering on this strategy also creates the opportunity for further investment and expansion by HARMAN Professional Solutions in the Australian market, as avt and CMI extend their capabilities and support across the entire Harman Professional audio range.”

Jands will continue to support current owners and supply Harman Professional Solutions product in the market until 1 February 2018.

“My association with Harman commenced in 1971 when I purchased my first JBL loudspeaker for use in the Jands rental business. This association continued through the appointment of Jands as the Australian JBL Distributor in 1984 and onto the representation of the entire Harman audio portfolio.  In the past year or more it has become apparent that Jands business philosophy and product strategy is no longer aligned with Harman and out of respect to the long and successful relationship I determined it is best for both parties that we part,” says Jands managing director Paul Mulholland.