Yeah generally no mandate for private companies to have a Board of Directors, although it can vary by state as to what functions a company must have. In a situation like Krell has gone through, I'm not surprised Rondi did not constitute a Board. I think it is also mute reinforcement that Bicking or any other investor did NOT have a significant financial interest in Krell. Invariably, someone putting money into a business or someone with substantial ownership wants a Board and someone looking out for their financial interests.
Krell Moves to new location
Here is the old location https://sentrycommercial.com/industrial-building-sold-for-2-2m-in-orange/
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@jea48 Kristopher is alive. I emailed him awhile back but he never responded. Owns auto repair shop. |
Yeah generally no mandate for private companies to have a Board of Directors, although it can vary by state as to what functions a company must have. In a situation like Krell has gone through, I'm not surprised Rondi did not constitute a Board. I think it is also mute reinforcement that Bicking or any other investor did NOT have a significant financial interest in Krell. Invariably, someone putting money into a business or someone with substantial ownership wants a Board and someone looking out for their financial interests. |
I’m sorry, but this is not how to run a company. How many customers shipped components needing repair to Krell before the doors closed? And how long must someone sit in limbo while the legal process continues. I’d hate to be someone who’s sitting in limbo not even knowing if their item or items is even going to be found! How is it Krell owners didn’t have their affairs in order before this happened. This is what not to do if you own any company! |
@willywonka if Krell would release their service schematics to third party technicians, servicing Krell products would not be an issue. |
Absolutely, one hundred percent. It is time Right to Repair laws are passed in all states to give folks back the control over how and where to have their gear maintained - gear they paid for and own. It is time rogue companies are put back in their place. @willywonka I see your point, but that essentially makes you a Harman / Bose customer
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@jea48 Arnold Martinez is no longer with Krell. Wasn't with them very long, Rondi hired him shortly before she died. |
@devinplombier I still don't understand why the vast majority of people need that law, most mainstream equipment is just cheap throwaway stuff anyway. |
If you go to their website, they have an update on opening that was updated on the 9th. About 3 — Your Site Title - krell.industries. Gotta hit the one I highlighted or you get a site that looks like Arabic. Update once again tells you absolutely nothing that hasn’t been said before, but allegedly it has new e-mail addresses for everything. It is just flat out stupid and senseless business wise to have not specifically addressed this.
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Thanks for your post and the info above. I found the link you referenced and posted its ’contents’ below for everyone to read. Please see below the ======. ============================================ Krell Industries: Preparations For Reopening (UPDATED 1/9/2025) To our valued dealers and distributors, We are pleased to inform you that Krell Industries is now in the process of reopening. This is a very complex matter, involving relocation and a number of legal issues which are in progress. Due to the unpredictable nature of filing Court documents, etc, we cannot provide a timeline. We are working toward re-opening, and an official announcement will be made in Stereophile Magazine. As part of our commitment to enhancing your experience, we are migrating our digital infrastructure to a cloud-based platform. Due to the significant complexity involved, this process will take some time. Unfortunately, our old domain, krellhifi.com, and related emails have been hijacked, and are no longer under our control. Remedies are being pursued. For the time being, please use our new website: krell.industries (no additional TLD). We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new dealer portal, which will become an integral part of our sales and service process. Through this portal, you’ll be able to track purchase confirmations, shipping and delivery dates, service quotes, and more in real time. This portal is part of our broader initiative to modernize and digitize the purchasing and payment process, enhancing both ease and security for you, our valued dealers. For now, please use the following emails for any inquiries:
Please note that responses may be delayed until we are fully operational, as we continue to operate under limited capacity. We also ask for your patience as we finalize testing of our new website, as there may be some technical or user experience issues. (This work is ongoing.) We greatly appreciate your continued patience and understanding, and we’re working diligently to reopen and resume full operations as soon as possible. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to working with you again soon. Thank you for your partnership. Sincerely, Wil Buhler |
That was Thai.
If Krell had paid the $25 domain renewal fee maybe it would still be under their control? Also, whoever owns the domain name now is probably more than happy to sell it back for a fee, since that's the business they're in - selling domain names. But, no; instead:
Hahaha sure I just hope folks get their gear back soon.
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https://www.stereophile.com Walter is coming back! |
please see below the ==== for a copy of the above referenced article. @bulldogger, Thanks for finding and posting this article on Krell. ===================================== "On June 18, 2024, Krell Industries closed temporarily after the unexpected death of owner and CEO Rondi D'Agostino; Krell has been in limbo ever since. According to Wil Buhler of family holdings company JF Bicking & Co, Krell's long-awaited reopening is within reach. What’s been happening? Buhler offers an explanation. "JF Bicking's working relationship with Rondi gave her and us equal managerial control, even though she still held the majority share. With the death of her husband in August of 2024, that share has now gone to her heir. "Through all subsequent negotiations with that heir, the invaluable help of former Krell Industries Vice-President Walter Schofield has enabled us to stick it out through less than cooperative behavior on the majority holder's part. Once matters are settled and we can start up again, Walter will come back onboard and help with the rebuilding and running of Krell. "Within a day or so, we are planning to submit a formal offer to buy Rondi's outstanding majority share of Krell from her heir. Our lawyers, Royer, Cooper, Cohen and Braunfield (RCCB Law), are pretty confident that we will succeed. "Once we've conferred with Walter, we will submit our formal offer to buy Krell. Ultimately, we think the courts will intervene. We're requesting the courts to appoint an independent third-party administrator to handle Rondi's estate so that we can proceed with reopening Krell. Our next hearing is next week, between February 3 and 7. That's when an independent administrator will be appointed if the heir has not yet accepted our formal offer for purchase." Meanwhile, Buhler informs Stereophile readers, krell.industries is the legitimate website for Krell Industries. "The former website, krellhifi.com, has been hijacked," he says. What about Krell equipment sent in for repair? Willie Barnett, Krell's longtime repair technician, continues to be affiliated with the company, active on the Krell Owners and Enthusiasts Facebook group, and hard at work. "All Krell equipment previously submitted for repair is safe and currently being fixed," Buhler assures Krell owners. "Product will be sent back to the owners once repairs are complete." Stereophile has contacted Rondi’s heir and will update this story if and when comment is received. The announcement of the official reopening of Krell Industries will be shared on this site. Please stay tuned". |
@roxy54 I agree "the hour is late." But I don't think it's too late. I really like the sound of the Krell XD stuff. I am hoping that the development of the flagship stereo and monoblock amp's tech will trickle down to new lower priced amplifiers to replace the XD series. Walter is back but let's also hope Dave Goodman will come back to do this designing. These are really wonderful relaxed, smooth, natural sounding amplifiers. The XD series is several years old now. New designs and products are just as important, in the future, as getting restarted is now. |
Steven Javaherian is involved? I am no longer optimistic. For me, it explains everything. https://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-industries-proceeds-towards-reopening |
Stereophile report Updated 2/12/25 (previously 2/7/25) copy of report: “In the February issue, Stereophile tentatively predicted the imminent reopening of Krell Industries, the legendary high-end amplifier manufacturer. It didn’t happen, and it still hadn’t happened as the current issue went to press. It now appears that two parties are competing to reopen Krell. To recap: On June 18, 2024, Krell Industries closed following the unexpected death of owner and CEO Rondi D’Agostino. An early announcement indicated that the closing would be brief, but Krell has been in limbo ever since. In an interview in late January, Wil Buhler of self-described “family holdings company” JF Bicking & Co. told Stereophile that the long-awaited reopening was within reach. Others disputed his claim, though not publicly. What is JF Bicking’s relevance to l’affaire Krell? Bicking claims a 30% share in the company. “JF Bicking’s working relationship with Rondi [D’Agostino] gave her and us equal managerial control, even though she still held the majority share,” Buhler told Stereophile. Documents supplied by Bicking and reviewed by Stereophile appeared to support Buhler’s claim of an ownership stake. Who owns the rest of Krell? “With the death of her husband in August of 2024, the [majority] share has now gone to her heir,” Buhler said. “Her heir” is Rondi’s son Kristofer D’Agostino. Also involved, perhaps as an adviser to Kristofer, is Steven Javaherian, Krell dealer and proprietor of Florida–based dealership High Performance Stereo. In November, Javaherian set up a Connecticut limited-liability corporation (LLC) called Krell Audio. Javaherian and Kristofer have refused to talk with Stereophile. “We were ordered by the probate judge not to make any public statements at this time,” Kristofer wrote in an email. “Unlike the other parties involved, I’m obeying the judge’s orders to not speak on this issue until a ruling has been granted.” Anonymous sources told Stereophile that at first, Kristopher was uninterested in being involved with Krell. Apparently that has changed. Now, two factions—majority owner Kristopher on one side, JF Bicking on the other—are competing to own and reopen the company. “Within a day or so, we are planning to submit a formal offer to buy Rondi’s outstanding majority share of Krell from her heir. Our lawyers … are pretty confident that we will succeed.” Documents reviewed by Stereophilesuggest that the proposed deal is structured as a small upfront cash payment plus a declining share of profits, starting at 10%. JF Bicking would take on all Krell Industries debt. “Ultimately, we think the courts will intervene,” Buhler continued. “We’re requesting the appointment of an independent third-party administrator to handle Rondi’s estate so that we can proceed with reopening Krell.” When contacted in early February, Buhler said the offer had been made but that no response had been received. A court hearing was scheduled for the week of February 3 but then rescheduled for February 19, well after this issue of Stereophile went to press. Willie Barnett, Krell’s longtime repair technician, is still in the picture. In a Facebook post in mid-February, he wrote, “I am still working with Steven Javaherian to get the Repairs going again”; Earlier posts to the group, in late December, suggested that he was working with JF Bicking. He has made it clear all along that his interest is in getting Krell reopened. When we spoke with Buhler in late January, he said, “Through all subsequent negotiations with [Kristofer D’Agostino], the invaluable help of former Krell Industries Vice-President Walter Schofield has enabled us to stick it out through less-than-cooperative behavior on the majority holder’s part. Once matters are settled, and we can start up again, Walter will come back onboard in a consulting capacity and help with the rebuilding of Krell.” Contacted by Stereophile, Schofield remained neutral in the ownership dispute, saying, “I only ever wanted to see Krell reopen, have people’s equipment repaired and returned, and if possible, see the brand restart production. … At first, it seemed there was only one horse in this race. All I ever wanted to do was help, and I am still willing to do so for any entity that takes control of the brand.” Stereophile’s hope, too, is that whichever side comes out on top, the dispute will soon be settled so that Krell Industries can reopen and restart its work processing repairs and fulfilling customer orders”. |
Have you been following the dirt that was posted about Wil Buhler/William Kennedy Buhler/JF Bicking on the Krell facebook group and in the comments of the article? He has LinkedIn profiles that look very fishy (holding director level jobs at 16 or 18, depending on the profile). He has a spotty criminal record (go to the Pennsylvania court site and type in his name) and a plethora of companies formed at the same address as JF Bicking. None of this adds up with his story of being the heir of a multi-generational family business (I don't think that type goes with a public defender in their criminal cases). I wish the best of luck to Rondi's son during his litigation with this character. |
+1, “oh, my….” If this is true, the situation at KRELL is much worse than described in the Stereophile article. I do not know what is true, and not true. I feel sorry for anyone that has equipment at KRELL waiting for repair. The Judge hears the case on February 19 and, most likely, will request more information from both sides meaning more delays. |
Or, in other words, “The legal battle involving Krell’s founders and private equity investors further complicates the company’s stability. The founders alleged fraudulent practices by the equity firm, while countersuits were also filed. These ongoing issues may contribute to delays in resolving customer concerns. If the legal case mentioned is scheduled for February 19, it could lead to further delays in addressing operational problems. Customers with pending repairs may need to prepare for extended wait times”. |
See update regarding the Krell Industries vs. JF Bicking & Co Connecticut court case on February 19 posted on Stereophile web site below: ”Updated 2/20/2025 (previously 2/12/25) In a Connecticut courtroom on Wednesday, Kristofer D’Agostino, son of late Krell owner and CEO Rondi D’Agostino, won control over his own trust, opening a path for Krell to begin to get its ducks in a row and, if all goes well, reopen. This was a probate hearing, intended to establish who would control the D’Agostino trust. Wil Buhler of "family holding company" JF Bicking had put forward a motion to have a third party administer the trust. Buhler apparently didn’t know that the proposed third-party administrator had already notified the court that he would not accept the role of trust administrator. The only alternative available to the judge was to allow Kris D’Agostino to administer his own trust. According to Stereophile sources, once D’Agostino receives the certificate certifying his role as administrator, he will be able to gain control of the probate assets, which are said to include at least 70% of Krell. (The possible ownership by JF Bicking of the other 30% remains in dispute—a dispute that must be resolved in Delaware, where Krell Industries is officially registered.) For many months, it was widely assumed—not only by Stereophile—that Kristopher D’Agostino did not intend to try to reopen Krell. That left JF Bicking as apparently the only horse in the race. Recent weeks have brought indications that Kristopher D’Agostino does indeed intend to pursue Krell’s reopening. We’re not business experts, but that intention and an undisputed 70% (and possibly larger) ownership stake would seem to put him in a position to at least make the attempt.—Jim Austin” My comment: I am not an attorney but the above identifies more issues that must be resolved. The above says “The possible ownership by JF Bicking of the other 30% remains in dispute—a dispute that must be resolved in Delaware, where Krell Industries is officially registered”. Unfortunately, this means more delays meaning I have no information when Krell Industries will reopen, etc.
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@hgeifman don't forget this part:
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Why is "family holding company" in scare quotes, I wonder? |
@jmera It appears JF Bricking has lost the battle for controlling ownership. The most telling thing I see is that Javaherian set up the LLC and not Kristopher. Tech 9 Auto, Kris's shop, is only about 50 miles away from High Performance Stereo that Javaherian owns. I want to know if the hifi shop "down the road," has the resources to "jump start," Krell. Javaherian at least is a high-end audio dealer that sells Krell. He likely knows the market far better than JF Bricking. Also, JF Bricking was supposed to offer Kristopher D'Agostino a buyout. Guess that was not a worthy offer or we wouldn't be here now. My guess is JF Bricking is fighting for a "piece of the pie," some controlling ownership because there is no money to recover. That's the best they can do, get some percentage going forward. |
@devinplombier |
There are many players involved that include Kristopher D’Agostino, Tech 9 Auto, Steven Javaherian, High Performance Stereo (Krell Retailer), JF Bicking, Wil Buhler , Krell Industries, Krell Audio and the Delaware Probate Court. Of course in addition to the above, you have Krell workers, customers and retailers. And, yes, I probably forgot someone (maybe the building landlord). All of the above have legal issues involved regarding gaining control of the probate assets, which are said to include at least 70% of Krell and the possible ownership by JF Bicking of the other 30% remaining assets. It is my understanding the Delaware Probate Court needs to resolve this ownership issue. Assuming the Delaware Probate Court makes a decision allowing Krell to re-open, where is the capital going to come from to get Krell Industries back in operation. Obviously, that is another issue that needs to be resolved. Based on the above Audiogon post, many Krell customers have equipment at Krell that need repair. Some of them have been waiting for a long time. How long will it take to resolve these issues? I have no clue. |
@hgeifman do you have it on good authority that Krell was shut down by court order in the first place?
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I have them kind of "tuned out," after the court decision. Didn't even notice.