The two largest specialist hifi and AV retails in the UK yesterday released the following statement... Following several months of discussion, the respective Boards of Audio T and Sevenoaks Sound & Vision have decided to merge their businesses dependent upon the successful outcome of a period of joint marketing and purchasing principally under the SS&V banner. To start with, there will be a period of ‘engagement’ to see how it all works and how well we all work together. This process could take up to two years to complete after which we envisage a full merger taking place. It is also why, until we do merge, we are not changing our respective day to day operations. In particular there will be no change to the Manchester and Bristol Shows although the Sound & Vision at Home Guide will include all our stores. For the future, we intend to capitalize on both the Sevenoaks Sound & Vision and Audio T names as well as our combined fifty plus store coverage. This base of names and stores will give us a spring board for expansion. We will optimize the considerable advantages that the link is going to give us to improve choice and service to our customers which will, in turn, make our individual stores more successful and the jobs of their staff more secure. Both companies lead on knowledgeable staff, customer service, the retail experience and choice. We will be, by far and away, the largest audio visual independent for any customer who wants more than a box. Independently, SS&V and AT have built up successful and respected businesses. Together we are more than the sum of our parts and can offer you improved national coverage and a platform for growth plus, in time, centralised account handling. With the arrival of Best Buy and even Currys setting up specialist hifi/AV demo rooms within their megastores this seems a very prudent move, giving the newly formed group massively increased buying power and marketing spend.