NEW YORK — At the 135th AES Convention, Harman announced its acquisition of privately-held Duran Audio BV. The purchase provides Harman with access to new electro-acoustic and software-based directivity control technologies including Duran Audio’s AXYS Intellivox line of “steerable” columns. Harman said it plans to integrate the AXYS product line and core technologies into its future audio products. Pictured here, from left, is Bryan Bradley, general manager of Harman’s loudspeaker business unit, and Gerrit Duran, president of Duran Audio.
Gerrit Duran, founder of Duran Audio noted, “Our focus has always been on innovation. Over the years we have developed a range of solutions for some of the most difficult problems facing sound system designers, architects and acoustic engineers. Today’s acquisition by Harman presents many wonderful opportunities to push the R&D boundaries even further and to deliver some truly unique technologies to a wider customer base.”
“Today’s acquisition of Duran Audio BV bolsters Harman’s stated commitment to advance our technology leadership through both R&D and acquisitions,” said Harman chairman/president/CEO Dinesh C. Paliwal. “Over the years, Duran Audio has established a distinct and loyal customer base built on innovative technology. By leveraging Duran’s unique product lines with Harman’s global footprint and product synergies, our business is optimally positioned to serve new customers around the world with expanded audio solutions.”
Founded in Zaltbommel, The Netherlands by Duran in 1981, Duran Audio has earned a strong reputation for its AXYS range of professional audio products including loudspeakers, amplifiers, signal processors and network devices. Duran Audio pioneered modern loudspeaker “beam steering” and “beam shaping” which are essential to addressing demanding acoustic environments. The company has also established a leading position in audio solutions for European EN-54 safety applications and software technologies for audio design.
For more info, visit www.harman.com or www.duran-audio.com.
