Steinway Acknowledges Unsolicited Proposal for Band Business; Announces New Chairman

Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. LVB announced that Chairman Kyle Kirkland, CEO Dana Messina, Conn-Selmer President John Stoner, and certain members of management made an unsolicited proposal to acquire the Company's band instrument and online music divisions. In connection with the proposal, Mr. Kirkland has agreed to step down as the Company's Chairman, a position he has held since 1995. The board has appointed a Special Committee to consider this proposal and strategic alternatives. In addition, the board has appointed Michael Sweeney, one of the Company's independent directors, to the position of Chairman. Mr. Sweeney is currently Chairman of the Board of Star Tribune Media Holdings and previously served as the president of Starbucks Coffee Company Ltd. In connection with Mr. Kirkland's departure as Chairman, the Company will recognize a severance charge of $1.1 million. Details of the management offer for the band and online music businesses have not been disclosed. There can be no assurance that any potential purchaser or the Company will enter into a definitive agreement for any transaction or that any transaction will be completed.