Transaction Summary
Intrepid's Role:
Intrepid acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Drum Workshop, assisting founders Don Lombardi and John Good in evaluating strategic options, preparing for a transaction, and identifying the ideal partner. The firm conducted a targeted process that prioritized cultural alignment, industry expertise, and brand stewardship.
Outcome:
The company was acquired by Roland Corporation, a global leader in electronic musical instruments, in a transaction that united two highly complementary businesses. The partnership enables Drum Workshop to accelerate innovation and expand its global reach, while remaining true to its roots.
Why It Matters:
This transaction illustrates Intrepid’s ability to position founder-led, category-defining brands for premium outcomes with strategic buyers that respect the brand’s DNA. Our deep industry knowledge and founder-first approach helped deliver a deal that benefits the company, its employees, and the drumming community.
Overview
Drum Workshop is unquestionably one of the most respected names in music. For over half a century, the company has been at the heart of all things sound, providing the best and most innovative percussion solutions to a who’s who of music legends through a portfolio of iconic brands that includes DW Drums, PDP, Latin Percussion, Slingerland, and Gretsch Drums.
Renowned for excellence and authenticity, Drum Workshop helps power music, feed passion, and inspire creativity around the world by serving as the go-to platform for drummers and percussionists across all genres, skill levels, and price points. When the shareholders sought to find a new owner to drive the company’s next phase of growth, they knew they could trust Intrepid to engage a global group of buyers to not only maximize value but also honor and build on Drum Workshop’s legacy and culture.
Ensuring that the DW legacy and the future of our brands remain strong was a core objective for us, and with Intrepid’s support, we feel confident in our decision to become part of the Roland family of brands. The Intrepid team’s distinct knowledge of the music industry, unique ability to tell our story, and steady hands guiding us throughout this process have proved invaluable in getting us to this point.
Chris LombardiCEO, Drum WorkshopTransaction Summary
Intrepid's Role:
Intrepid acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Drum Workshop, assisting founders Don Lombardi and John Good in evaluating strategic options, preparing for a transaction, and identifying the ideal partner. The firm conducted a targeted process that prioritized cultural alignment, industry expertise, and brand stewardship.
Outcome:
The company was acquired by Roland Corporation, a global leader in electronic musical instruments, in a transaction that united two highly complementary businesses. The partnership enables Drum Workshop to accelerate innovation and expand its global reach, while remaining true to its roots.
Why It Matters:
This transaction illustrates Intrepid’s ability to position founder-led, category-defining brands for premium outcomes with strategic buyers that respect the brand’s DNA. Our deep industry knowledge and founder-first approach helped deliver a deal that benefits the company, its employees, and the drumming community.
Ensuring that the DW legacy and the future of our brands remain strong was a core objective for us, and with Intrepid’s support, we feel confident in our decision to become part of the Roland family of brands. The Intrepid team’s distinct knowledge of the music industry, unique ability to tell our story, and steady hands guiding us throughout this process have proved invaluable in getting us to this point.
Chris LombardiCEO, Drum Workshop- Gary Rabishaw Managing Director Head of Commercial & Consumer Technology
- Hayden Rosenthal Vice President