Twineth

They're of retirement age themselves so its safe to assume wish to enjoy the fruits of their labour while they can. But its sad for all, especially the workforce.

Yes Linda and Dennis are family. Linda is John Skewes's daughter and she married Dennis J Drumm who was - I believe - at the time JHS Sales Director. He went on to become MD with John Skewes being chairman until he retired due to ill health. Now that he has passed away the Linda and Dennis (themselves now old enough to retire) will have likely sought a buyer but, as the right deal obviously not been found, they will "close" JHS and sell off its intellectual property (such as Vintage, Fret King, Odyssey etc....) in pieces which is perhaps more likely attractive to potential buyers. Its a double-edged situation. The current owners have the absolute right to "cash in their chips" and enjoy a - likely - very comfortable retirement. But if JHS cannot be sold (as seems to be the case) in its entirety then redundancies, with some employees working there many decades, are inevitable. The fact that the company is solvent will allow them time to seek alternative empoyment and will be paid in full whilst still employed. Its a sad situation though and not good for the UK or international music industry.