A New Owner For Focal And Naim
BARCO TO ACQUIRE VERVENT AUDIO HOLDING, INCLUDING FOCAL AND NAIM
Belgian technology company Barco has announced an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of VerVent Audio Holding, the French-British audio group behind the Focal and Naim brands.
The proposed acquisition is intended to expand Barco’s audiovisual offering by adding high-end audio from Focal and Naim to its existing visualisation technologies.
BARCO TO ACQUIRE VERVENT AUDIO HOLDING INCLUDING FOCAL AND NAIM IN STRATEGIC AUDIO EXPANSION
Barco confirmed that it has reached an agreement to acquire VerVent Audio Holding, a company active in high-end audio systems, headphones and automotive OEM audio solutions. VerVent owns the well-known premium audio brands Focal and Naim, both of which have long histories in the audiophile and high-performance HiFi markets.
The transaction would extend Barco’s activities beyond visual technologies into integrated audiovisual solutions for both consumer and professional environments.
WHAT VERVENT AUDIO HOLDING BRINGS TO BARCO
VerVent Audio Holding is headquartered in Saint-Étienne, France and designs and manufactures a range of premium audio products. Its portfolio includes loudspeakers, headphones, studio monitors, immersive audio systems and custom installation solutions for home theatre environments.
The company is also involved in automotive and yachting OEM audio systems. Its global distribution network includes more than 80 dedicated boutiques as well as thousands of retail points worldwide.
EXPANDING BARCO’S AUDIOVISUAL SOLUTIONS
Barco said the acquisition would support its move towards integrated audiovisual systems combining image and sound. The company is already active in visualisation technologies used in areas such as professional cinema, enterprise collaboration and healthcare.
With the addition of VerVent’s audio expertise, Barco plans to develop combined audio and visual solutions across several markets. These include high-end residential systems, home cinema installations, public venues and professional cinema environments.
MARKET CONTEXT
According to the company, the premium audio sector, covering audiophile consumer audio and high-end home cinema, is estimated to be worth more than €3 billion. Market growth is linked to increasing interest in immersive sound systems, active loudspeakers, integrated technologies and direct-to-consumer sales models.
Barco expects the acquisition to strengthen its position in these segments while expanding its access to consumer-focused markets.
DEAL VALUE AND FINANCIAL DETAILS
The enterprise value of the acquisition is approximately €135 million. Barco plans to finance the transaction using its own funds.
VerVent Audio Holding currently generates annual revenues of around €110 million. Barco has indicated that it expects operational synergies to develop in the coming years following completion of the transaction.
Despite the acquisition, Barco has reconfirmed its long-term financial guidance, including a target EBITDA margin of 15% by 2028.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR BARCO AND VERVENT AUDIO HOLDING
The transaction remains subject to regulatory requirements and consultation with employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable legislation. Completion will also depend on standard closing conditions.
Once the deal is finalised, VerVent Audio Holding will become part of Barco’s Entertainment division. Barco has indicated that it plans to support VerVent’s existing strategy, which includes continued focus on premium audio products and the development of digital, active and connected technologies.
HiFi PiG Says: An interesting move, we look forward to seeing how this pans out for the HiFi side of Focal and Naim.
