Corporate pro audio mergers always fascinate me. I’ve had a stake in a number of these, as a company (name withheld) I was with for 30 years prior to me joining FRONT of HOUSE went through nine owners during that time. Some good, but mostly soul-less venture capital deals. I’ve definitely “been there, done that.”
So far, this is a significant year for pro audio acquisitions, with a whole lotta deals by 2025’s mid-point, so what lies ahead? I’m not anti-mergers / buyouts, especially if there are clear synergies, such as Sennheiser buying Neumann in 1991 — a good example.
Just before NAMM 2025, DPA Microphones bought Austrian Audio — a good match, given their European heritage and market niches. In late March, Powersoft purchased a 51% share in K-array — a smart move; both are based outside Florence, Italy, and offer high-tech amp and speaker designs.
In early May, the Freedman Group (RØDE and Mackie parent company) acquired pro wireless manufacturer Lectrosonics. No geographic link here, but founder Peter Freeman is a sharp businessman. RØDE mics are seen on millions of podcasts, while there’s hardly a YouTube video that doesn’t use a RØDE ME or Go II wireless rig. Definitely a win-win situation.
In late May, Audiotonix (Allen & Heath, DiGiCo, KLANG, SSL, Sound Devices, etc.) added IEM leader JH Audio to its roster. A lot of synergy here — a good sign. And after InfoComm, China-based Cosonic Intelligent Technologies purchased beyerdynamic for some $141M USD. In headphones, the company’s pro and consumer name is strong, yet its microphones only reach a fraction of pro users.
So keep an eye out, because the rest of 2025 may prove … interesting.
Meanwhile, travel safe!
