Audiotonix acquired by private equity firm

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Ardian takes majority stake in Audiotonix
Audiotonix brands include Calrec, Allen & Heath and DiGiCo
Audiotonix CEO: Deal will help expand our brands and product portfolio

Calrec OB truck dashboard

OB truck: Calrec-equipped

Private equity firm Ardian has bought a majority stake in Audiotonix, the professional audio mixing console group which includes brands such as Calrec and Allen & Heath.

Ardian is a France-based, independent investment company which manages assets in excess of $90bn across Europe, the Americas and Asia. It has a wide range of firms in its portfolio including investments in companies that operate in the consumer goods, real estate, healthcare, IT and business services sectors.

Astorg, which acquired Audiotonix from Epiris in February 2017, will retain a stake in the business.

Audiotonix chief executive James Gordon said the deal “represents a significant step in the future development of Audiotonix”.

He said: “We have built an incredible infrastructure within the group in the past five years, which has clearly benefited all our brands with manufacturing know-how, developing new technologies, and growing their worldwide reach.

“Ardian’s financial support and advice, combined with Astorg’s, who are also remaining as an investor for this next phase, will help expand our brands and product portfolio even further.”

Businesses in the Audiotonix group include Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiCo, DigiGrid, Group One, Klang Technologies and Solid State Logic.

Since its initial formation with Allen & Heath, Calrec and DiGiCo in 2014, Audiotonix has grown through further acquisitions; in 2017, the group integrated US importer and distributor Group One, and in December of that year purchased studio console brand Solid State Logic. In December 2018, DiGiCo announced the acquisition of Klang Technologies, a developer of immersive sound technology.

Ardian buyout managing director Olivier Personnaz added: “How people enjoy live, televised and streamed entertainment is going through a revolution.

“The world’s top acts, performers, broadcasters and supporting creative industries, want to give audiences the very best experience. Events, music and media content are becoming more immersive, embracing new technology and relying even more on great sound. That’s why we are excited about how this new partnership will help Audiotonix differentiate itself even further through the undisputed quality of its audio technology and service to customers.”