Bax Music, declared bankrupt by the Zeeland-West-Brabant court

Bankruptcy Declared by the Court

Bax Music, a prominent Dutch retailer of musical instruments and equipment, has been officially declared bankrupt by the Zeeland-West-Brabant court. This decision, announced on Tuesday, comes after the company’s recent suspension of payments—a move often seen as a precursor to bankruptcy.

Financial Struggles and Setbacks

The company has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. Mounting debts owed to various creditors, including the Dutch Tax Authority, have strained its operations. These difficulties were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating fire in 2023 at a facility in Goes, which caused extensive damage to musical instruments.

A Legacy of Growth and Leadership Changes

Founded in 2003 by brothers Nathanael and Jochanan Bax, Bax Music has grown to become one of Europe’s largest online retailers of musical instruments and equipment. With six physical stores across the Netherlands and Belgium and more than 300 employees, the business has built an impressive presence.

However, a dispute between the founding brothers led to Jochanan’s departure from the company’s management team, though he continues to hold a significant stake in the business.

Plans for a Restart

Despite the bankruptcy ruling, Jochanan Bax has voiced his commitment to reviving the company. After the suspension of payments, he shared plans for a potential relaunch, stating that investors have expressed interest in supporting this effort.